FG Pledges To Revive Baro River Port

Federal Government has pledged to revive Baro River Port in Niger State, promising to tackle years of delays caused by poor infrastructure and funding shortages.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola made the pledge in Abuja when he appeared before the adhoc Committee on Stakeholders’s Engagement on the challenges and prospects of the Baro River Port said the facility, once envisioned as a key inland gateway for trade, has remained largely idle since its commissioning in 2019.

He explained that the port’s location makes it vital for moving agricultural goods, linking to other major ports, and easing congestion on Nigeria’s highways.

But he warned that without dredging the River Niger and building proper road and rail links, the port cannot reach its potential.

Oyetola said his ministry is working with the Ministries of Works and Transportation to create an integrated plan combining infrastructure upgrades, operational efficiency, and private sector investment.

The National Inland Waterways Authority says it plans to dredge 2,000 kilometres of inland waterways to keep Baro navigable all year.

Officials believe this could turn the port into a major hub for regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The ad-hoc committee reviewing the project is Chaired by Saidu Abdullahi, who stressed that its role is to facilitate, not investigate.

He described Baro’s strategic value to trade, regional connectivity, and economic diversification as “immense and non-negotiable.”

Abdullahi said the committee will visit the port on Saturday for an on-the-spot assessment, and will later convene a national stakeholders’ forum to mobilise political, technical, and financial backing for the project.

Transport Minister Sa’idu
Ahmed Alkali also addressed lawmakers, confirming plans for a rail line to link Baro with the rest of the country, though he warned that financing remains a major hurdle.

If realised, the government says Baro could become a thriving inland gateway, linking farmers and traders to markets across Nigeria and beyond.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji