By Erewunmi Peace

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has dismissed claims by the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, alleging that the Federal Government’s port modernisation plan is focused only on Lagos.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on Tuesday, Oyetola described Obi’s remarks as “incorrect and misleading”, reaffirming that the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme is nationwide, covering facilities across several coastal states.

According to the minister, the ongoing $1 billion Lagos Ports modernisation project is only one component of a comprehensive plan to upgrade ports in Warri, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Onne, and other maritime zones. He added that the government remains committed to developing new deep seaports in Bayelsa (Agge), Akwa Ibom (Ibom), Rivers (Bonny), and Cross River, to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity and attract international investment.

Oyetola emphasized that the Blue Economy agenda aims to reposition Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West Africa through infrastructure renewal, private sector partnerships, and sustainable management of marine resources.

“The Federal Government’s commitment is to ensure that every region of Nigeria benefits from modern, efficient, and globally competitive port facilities,” the statement read.

The ministry urged political figures and the public to verify information before making public statements that could misrepresent the government’s economic initiatives.

Peter Obi had earlier criticised what he described as a “Lagos-centric” approach to port development, alleging regional imbalance in infrastructure projects.

Oyetola’s response, however, seeks to reassure Nigerians that the maritime modernisation drive remains inclusive and nationwide.