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The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has dismissed the claims made by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who alleged that the federal government is overlooking ports located outside Lagos.

Obi had earlier criticised the Federal Government’s recent approval of US$1 billion for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos.

He argued that Nigeria’s maritime growth continues to be disproportionately focused on Lagos, noting that the new project highlights the continuous neglect of other significant ports across the nation.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Bolaji Akinola, spokesperson for the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, explained that the ministry is open to constructive discussions but cautioned that Obi’s remarks were inaccurate.

Akinola emphasised that the government remains dedicated to upgrading ports across the country. He added that the ministry has already started the procurement process for the improvement of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, in addition to the ongoing upgrades at the Apapa and TinCan Island ports.

“The Federal Government is collaborating with state governments and private investors on new deep seaports in Bayelsa (Agge), Akwa Ibom (Ibom), Rivers (Bonny), and Cross River states.

“The Onitsha River Port in Anambra, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority, is evidence of efforts to decentralise port operations.

“The federal government therefore wishes to state unequivocally that Mr Peter Obi’s claim suggesting neglect of ports outside Lagos is incorrect and misleading.

“The federal government’s policies and actions clearly demonstrate a balanced and inclusive approach to port development, guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote national food security, economic diversification, and regional prosperity through the full harnessing of Nigeria’s maritime potential,” the statement read.

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