By Ada Nkong
The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has described recent remarks made by former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, concerning the Federal Government’s approval of the $1 billion modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos as misleading.
A statement by Dr Bolaji Akinola Special Assistant to t Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola says the Minister has consistently stated at various fora that the Federal Government is modernising and upgrading the nation’s ports in a comprehensive and inclusive manner — not concentrating efforts solely in Lagos.
He further noted that the Ministry has already commenced the procurement process for the renovation and modernisation of the ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne adding, that these projects are being undertaken alongside the Lagos port modernisation initiative, aspart of a coordinated national strategy to revitalise and expand maritime infrastructure across all regions of the country.
According to the statement, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is working closely with the respective state governments and private investors to develop new deep seaports that will further strengthen the nation’s maritime capacity including Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, the Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State, and a deep seaport in Cross River State.
Each of these projects reflects the Ministry’s commitment to balanced development and regional economic inclusion within the framework of the national blue economy.
He further cited the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) an agency under the Ministry which he says stands as a practical example of the Federal Government’s efforts to decentralise port operations and expand maritime access beyond Lagos.
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