Reps summon Marine Minister and NIWA boss over idle Baro Port despite multi-billion-naira investment.
Lawmakers demand documents and answers as port remains inactive years after completion.
The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Rehabilitation and Operationalization of the Baro Inland Port has summoned the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, to explain the current status of the multi-billion-naira project.
During a session in Abuja on Tuesday, the committee, led by Chairman Saidu Abdullahi, directed NIWA to submit all relevant documents regarding the port’s planning, construction, handover, and operational status. Abdullahi stressed that the port was designed to decongest existing seaports and promote inland waterway transport.
The committee gave the minister and NIWA a seven-day deadline to submit comprehensive records. These include contract agreements, payment history, inspection and evaluation reports, photographs, and any proof that the port was ever officially declared operational.
“We want the full contract files, financial breakdowns, and records of what was done or left undone,” Abdullahi stated. “We are not here to witch-hunt, but someone must be held accountable for a project that has consumed billions of naira without results. This committee will carry out its duties thoroughly. The port project cannot be allowed to waste away.”
Lawmakers expressed concern that the port, reportedly completed and handed over years ago, remains non-functional. They noted the absence of cargo activities and the lack of road access.
In response, NIWA blamed the non-utilization of the port on siltation, damaged rail links, poor road infrastructure, and insecurity. Representing the NIWA MD, the General Manager for Ports and Environmental Services, Agbahe Fidelis, said the port commissioned in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari has been inactive due to major infrastructure challenges.
The committee resolved to conduct a physical inspection of the port in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State for an independent assessment.
“This is about accountability,” Abdullahi added. “The Nigerian people deserve to know what happened to their money.”
