Lagos ports dominate Nigeria’s maritime activity, and former Anambra governor, Peter Obi, warned this restricts national economic growth.
Recently, the federal government approved $1 billion to modernise Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos.
Lagos Overloaded
However, Obi welcomed the effort while insisting that the benefits must reach the entire country, not just Lagos.
He emphasised, “Nigeria’s maritime potential remains untapped because the government invests excessively in Lagos.”
Untapped Regional Ports
Moreover, ports like Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne could create jobs, boost trade, and drive regional growth.
Obi highlighted that countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Ghana actively spread port investments across multiple regions.
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He explained, “A decentralised approach reduces congestion, improves logistics, and distributes benefits nationwide.”
Currently, Lagos handles over 70% of port activity, causing delays, high costs, and environmental damage.
Therefore, developing other coastal ports would relieve Lagos’ congestion while stimulating regional economies.
Reform And Opportunity
Furthermore, Obi urged the government to tackle corruption, streamline bureaucracy, and adopt digital, paperless port systems.
He added, “If managed well, the Lagos modernisation can become a model for nationwide maritime transformation.”
Finally, Obi stressed that spreading investment across Nigeria would shift the country from consumption to production and ensure shared prosperity for all.
