Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has criticised the federal government’s decision to approve $1 billion (N1.5 trillion) for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos, describing it as another example of Nigeria’s over-concentration of infrastructure development in Lagos at the expense of other regions.

In a statement posted on X Friday, Obi said while efforts to improve efficiency and adopt technology in the maritime sector were commendable, such initiatives must be anchored on accountability, transparency, and equitable development across the country.

“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,” Obi said.

“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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The former Anambra State governor argued that decentralising port development would not only decongest Lagos but also improve logistics, reduce costs, and promote balanced economic growth.

He cited examples of countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Ghana, which operate multiple ports distributed across different regions, ensuring nationwide connectivity and inclusive growth.

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

He noted that more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s port activities remain concentrated in Lagos, leading to chronic congestion, high demurrage costs, environmental degradation, and delays that drive up the cost of goods nationwide.

Obi called for urgent investments in other coastal ports such as Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, describing it as a national imperative. According to him, revitalising these ports would reduce shipping costs, attract investment, create employment, and stimulate regional economies.

He also emphasised the need for broader reforms to tackle corruption, streamline bureaucracy, and adopt digital solutions that enable paperless, efficient port operations.

“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,” he said.

Obi added that Nigeria’s development agenda must be guided by fairness, equity, and integrity, with a clear vision to transform the country “from one of consumption to one of production and shared prosperity.” (BusinessDay)