“Unfair, shortsighted”, Peter Obi criticizes $1bn planned upgrade of Lagos ports

By Enyeribe Anyanwu

The 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has criticized the federal government’s approval of $1 billion (₦1.4 trillion) for the upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, describing it as unfair and shortsighted.

Obi was reacting to an announcement by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, last Wednesday that the Federal Executive Council had approved the funds for a complete overhaul of the two major Lagos ports.

The Lagos ports project, they minister said, was aimed at automating operations, deepening channels, reducing congestion, and positioning Lagos as a leading maritime hub in West Africa. The upgrade which is expected to begin early 2026 and conclude within four years, would create thousands of jobs, boost trade efficiency, and attract private investment, he said.

Speaking via his X handle, Obi expressed his disapproval, arguing that Nigeria’s port infrastructure spending remains heavily concentrated in Lagos while other strategic ports such as Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne are neglected.

He said this concentration has caused congestion, higher transport costs, and delays that hinder businesses and discourage investment. He cited examples of other developing countries that have balanced port development.

“Around the world, countries that have decentralized port development are reaping immense economic benefits. Vietnam operates over 300 ports — from Haiphong in the north to Da Nang in the centre and Ho Chi Minh City in the south — ensuring nationwide connectivity. Indonesia boasts about 111 commercial ports distributed across its territory to guarantee balanced access to trade. South Africa maintains eight major seaports — from Durban and Richards Bay on the Indian Ocean to Cape Town and Saldanha Bay on the Atlantic — reflecting a vision of maritime inclusion.

“Egypt runs about 15 commercial ports along both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea coasts; Morocco has about 14 ports open to international trade, including Casablanca, Tangier Med, and Agadir, distributed along its Atlantic and Mediterranean shorelines; and Algeria operates about 10 commercial ports spread across its extensive Mediterranean coast. Even Ghana, with only two major ports — Tema and Takoradi — ensured they are geographically decentralized.”

In contrast, Obi said, “In Nigeria, however, more than 70 per cent of port activities are still concentrated in Lagos, burdening the city with chronic congestion, high demurrage costs, environmental degradation, and delays that discourage investors and inflate the cost of goods nationwide. Developing other ports is, therefore, not merely an infrastructural necessity but a national imperative. Revitalizing Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne would decongest Lagos, reduce shipping costs, attract investment, create employment, and stimulate regional economies.”

He emphasized that decentralization reduces congestion, improves logistics, enhances national security, and promotes balanced economic growth.

The former Anambra State governor further questioned the timing of the project, remarking that with over 60 percent of Nigerians living in poverty, committing $1 billion to a single regional initiative showed misplaced priorities. He suggested that the government should instead invest in sectors like agriculture, education, and healthcare, which directly impact citizens’ lives.

He also raised concerns about transparency and potential corruption, citing past infrastructure projects that failed to deliver meaningful benefits.

Urging the government to ensure fairness, accountability, and a balanced approach to national development, Obi maintained: “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.”