Nigeria’s investments in port development too concentrated in Lagos – Obi

Obi

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), says Nigeria’s maritime development remains unfairly concentrated in Lagos.

On Wednesday, Adegboyega Oyetola, the minister of marine and blue economy, said the federal government has approved $1 billion for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos.

Oyetola spoke while declaring open the 2025 annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), themed ‘Enhancing Logistics and Transport for Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria,’ in Lagos.

In a statement on Friday via X, Obi said while the federal government’s approval of $1 billion for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports was commendable, such projects must be guided by accountability, transparency, and fairness.

‘PRIORITISATION OF LAGOS PORTS OVER OTHER STATES AFFECTING JOB CREATION’

Obi said the latest initiative again highlights the longstanding neglect of other major ports across the country.

“Our infrastructure investment remains excessively concentrated in Lagos, often at the expense of strategic ports like Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne,” Obi said.

The former Anambra state governor said the underdevelopment of the ports outside Lagos has limited productivity, job creation, and trade opportunities that could lift millions out of poverty.