Obi: Nigeria’s port development excessively concentrated in Lagos

The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has decried the uneven concentration of Nigeria’s maritime development in Lagos State.

Obi lamented that Nigeria’s infrastructure investment remains excessively concentrated in Lagos, neglecting other strategic ports such as Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne.

The former governor of Anambra State said other ports, if developed, would significantly boost trade, create jobs, and open new economic opportunities across the country.

He said this in reaction to the federal government’s approval of $1 billion for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, announced the approval on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

Reacting via a statement shared on X on Friday, Obi said while any effort to improve efficiency and embrace technology in Nigeria’s maritime sector is commendable, such an initiative must be guided by accountability, transparency, and equity for all Nigerians.

Obi stated: “However, this development once again exposes a longstanding concentration of our port development only in Lagos.

“Nigeria’s infrastructure investment remains excessively concentrated in Lagos, often at the expense of other strategic ports such as Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne. If fully developed, these ports could enhance productivity, drive trade, create jobs, and open new economic corridors that would lift millions out of poverty across the federation.”

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Obi cited examples of countries that have decentralised their port systems — including Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Ghana — saying they enjoy greater connectivity, balanced growth, and stronger blue economies.

“No country seeking to maximise its blue economy concentrates all maritime activities in a single city. Decentralisation reduces congestion, improves logistics, enhances national security, and promotes balanced economic growth,” he stressed.

Obi further lamented that over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s port activities are still concentrated in Lagos, resulting in chronic congestion, high demurrage costs, environmental challenges, and delays that discourage investors and increase the cost of goods nationwide.

Obi, therefore, urged the federal government to prioritise the revitalisation of other ports in Nigeria, noting that doing so would decongest Lagos, reduce shipping costs, attract investment, create employment, and stimulate regional economies.

The former governor added: “If prudently managed, the Lagos modernisation project could become a model for broader maritime transformation — a reference point from which similar development radiates across the nation.

“Now more than ever, Nigeria must rebuild with fairness, guided by equity, integrity, and a clear vision to transform our nation from one of consumption to one of production and shared prosperity.”

The Star