APC Defends $1bn Lagos Port Project Calls It Economic Foresight

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed opposition claims that the $1 billion investment in the Lagos Deep Sea Port amounts to economic sabotage, describing the criticism as baseless and driven by ignorance.

In a statement on Tuesday, APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, said the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects sound economic planning aimed at positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s maritime hub.

Oladejo said the opposition’s argument that the government is neglecting other ports in Warri, Calabar, Onne, and Port Harcourt shows a poor understanding of economic strategy. He noted that the Lagos Deep Sea Port project is part of a nationwide modernization plan, not a regional initiative.

According to him, the investment is already attracting major foreign capital from the China Harbour Engineering Company and Singapore’s Tolaram Group, both of whom believe in Nigeria’s economic direction under President Tinubu.

He explained that while Lagos benefits from the deep-sea project, other ports are also undergoing upgrades. These include the modernization of Onne Port, dredging of Calabar Port, rehabilitation of Port Harcourt Port under a concessionary framework, and expansion of Warri Port with a new rail link for easier cargo movement.

Oladejo said the opposition’s claims ignore these ongoing developments, describing their stance as a deliberate attempt to stir regional sentiment for political gain.

He argued that the $1 billion Lagos Port project represents foresight, not sabotage, stressing that it will create jobs, enhance exports, and eliminate the inefficiencies that have long plagued Nigerian ports.

Oladejo highlighted that the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria’s first fully automated port, is already changing port operations by reducing turnaround time and increasing government revenue.

He took aim at opposition leaders, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi, urging them to base their comments on research rather than emotion or populism. According to him, governance is about planning and execution, not social media outrage.

“Governance is driven by strategy, not sentiment,” he said, adding that the APC remains committed to building a functional economy through steady, well-structured policies.

Oladejo concluded that President Tinubu’s administration would continue implementing projects that strengthen the economy and create lasting growth, regardless of opposition criticism.