Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to reconsider its approach to port development, warning that the continued concentration of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure in Lagos undermines balanced national growth and economic inclusion.

Reacting to the recent approval of ₦1.5 trillion ($1 billion) for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, both in Lagos, Obi said that while port upgrades are welcome, the policy once again highlights a pattern of over-centralisation that deprives other coastal regions of development opportunities.

In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle titled “The Imperative of Diversifying Port Development in Nigeria,” Obi described decentralisation as the key to unlocking the country’s blue economy potential.

“While efforts to modernise and digitise the maritime sector are commendable, such initiatives must be guided by accountability, transparency, and equity for all Nigerians,” he wrote. “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.”

He argued that over 70 per cent of the nation’s port activities are concentrated in Lagos, a situation he said fuels chronic congestion, high demurrage costs, environmental degradation, and logistics delays that inflate prices nationwide.

Obi drew parallels with global examples where decentralised port systems have powered economic growth. He cited countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco, noting that none rely on a single city for maritime trade.

“No country seeking to maximise its blue economy concentrates all maritime activities in one city,” Obi noted. “Decentralisation reduces congestion, enhances logistics, and promotes balanced growth.”

He called for the revitalisation of other Nigerian ports — particularly Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne — as a strategic national imperative to decongest Lagos, reduce shipping costs, and boost regional economies.

According to him, a truly national blue economy should ensure that every region participates in trade and production, not just consumption. He also urged the government to tackle corruption, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and embrace technology for a paperless, globally competitive port system.

“If prudently managed, the Lagos port modernisation could serve as a model for nationwide maritime reform,” Obi said. “Now more than ever, Nigeria must rebuild with fairness, guided by equity, integrity, and a vision for shared prosperity.”

The Federal Executive Council recently approved ₦1.5 trillion for the upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports — a move aimed at improving cargo handling efficiency and reducing turnaround times.

However, the decision has sparked renewed debate over the need to diversify port infrastructure across the country.