The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to making Baro River Port in Niger State a vibrant inland gateway, despite acknowledging significant infrastructure and funding challenges.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the pledge while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Challenges and Prospects of the Baro River Port.
According to Oyetola, the port has struggled to operate at capacity since its commissioning in 2019 due to gaps in supporting infrastructure and navigability.
To address these challenges, the Minister outlined plans to improve river navigability through dredging, develop road and rail connections, attract private sector operators, and institute transparent governance systems.
Oyetola informed the Committee that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) plans to dredge up to 2,000 kilometers of inland waterways, ensuring Baro Port maintains the appropriate depth for year-round operations.
In his presentation, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, recalled that the Baro Port was first established in 1908 by Lord Lugard to facilitate the shipment of agricultural produce and livestock, serving as a major trade link between northern and southern Nigeria.
Oyebamiji informed the committee that the project was awarded by the previous administration at a cost of ₦3.56 billion, of which ₦3.35 billion representing 94 percent has already been paid to the contractor.
He further added that arrangements are currently underway to concession the port to private operators in order to attract fresh investment and ensure its effective operationalization.
The Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, revealed plans to develop a rail line connecting Baro Port to the rest of the country, citing funding as a major hurdle.
The House Ad-Hoc Committee Chairman, Saidu Abdullahi, emphasized the committee’s determination to see Baro Port fully utilized, describing its strategic value as “immense and non-negotiable.”
The Committee has resolved to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the port to make its operations a reality.
