The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the Federal Government’s $1 billion investment in Lagos ports, describing it as part of a nationwide modernisation blueprint.
Bellnews reports that the APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, stated this in a release on Tuesday while reacting to criticisms from opposition parties. He explained that the investment was aimed at transforming Nigeria into West Africa’s premier maritime hub.
Oladejo dismissed the opposition’s claim that President Bola Tinubu was focusing on Lagos ports while neglecting Warri, Calabar, Onne, and Port Harcourt ports.
He described such claims as laughable and ignorant.
“This reckless statement only exposes, yet again, the opposition’s chronic ignorance of basic economics and governance. Their loud opinions are rarely backed by facts, figures, or even a faint understanding of national policy direction. The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not neglecting any port. It is not a Lagos project, it is a Nigeria project, attracting foreign direct investment from China Harbour Engineering Company and Singapore’s Tolaram Group, both of whom saw in President Tinubu’s vision a business environment worth their billions,” Oladejo said.
According to him, President Tinubu’s administration is simultaneously executing modernisation projects in other key ports across the country.
He said the Onne Port is undergoing equipment upgrades and digitalisation, while dredging activities are ongoing at the Calabar Port to accommodate larger vessels.
Oladejo added that rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Port complex under a new concessionary framework is underway, alongside the expansion of the Warri Port corridor, which includes new rail link integration to ease cargo movement inland.
“But of course, the opposition wouldn’t know this – they’re too busy tweeting ignorance and recycling talking points from the political dustbin,” he said.
Lagos Port Investment Is Economic Foresight
Oladejo stressed that the $1 billion Lagos Port investment should not be mistaken for sabotage but seen as economic foresight.
He explained that the initiative was about creating jobs, boosting exports, and eliminating inefficiencies that had made Nigerian ports some of the most expensive in Africa.
He pointed to the Lekki Deep Sea Port as an example of the progress under Tinubu’s administration, noting that it is Nigeria’s first fully automated port, already redefining port management, increasing turnaround time, and boosting government revenue.
The APC spokesman insisted that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda remains a national programme, not a regional favour. He warned that attempts by the opposition to stir regional sentiments were only acts of sabotage against national progress.
“The only sabotage here is the opposition’s attempt to weaponise regional sentiments against national progress. This administration’s commitment is holistic, inclusive, and nationwide. Governance is driven by strategy, not sentiment. President Tinubu and the APC remain focused on building a Nigeria that works – one port, one project, and one policy at a time,” Oladejo added.