Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed the plans during an appearance before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Challenges and Prospects of the Baro River Port. He said the facility, commissioned in 2019 under the previous administration, has remained largely inactive due to poor road and rail linkages as well as navigability issues along the River Niger.
Oyetola outlined key measures to address the constraints, including capital and continuous dredging of the River Niger, developing road and rail connections to ease cargo movement, and implementing transparent governance systems with credible private sector participation. He revealed that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) intends to dredge up to 2,000 kilometers of inland waterways to ensure year-round access.
“Our Ministry remains unwavering in its determination to transform Baro from a dormant facility into a thriving inland gateway,” he said. “We are working closely with the Ministries of Works and Transportation to deliver an integrated framework that supports infrastructure, efficiency, and investment.”
Highlighting Baro’s strategic location, Oyetola noted its potential to connect agricultural value chains and link with other inland ports such as Onitsha, Lokoja, and Warri. He stressed that reviving the port would strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) while reducing pressure on highways.
NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, recalled Baro Port’s historical role since its establishment in 1908 by Lord Lugard, serving as a transport hub for agricultural produce and livestock between northern and southern Nigeria. Although structurally complete, he said the port’s usage has been hindered by inadequate dredging and poor transport infrastructure.
Oyebamiji disclosed that the port project was awarded at ₦3.56 billion, with ₦3.35 billion—representing 94%—already disbursed. He added that plans are underway to concession the port to private operators to attract fresh investments and operational expertise.
Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, confirmed that a new rail line is being developed to connect Baro with the national network and appealed for improved budgetary allocations, citing funding as a major challenge.
Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Rt. Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi, stressed that the committee’s role was facilitative, not investigative, and aimed at ensuring the port becomes fully operational. He announced plans to convene a national stakeholders’ forum to build consensus and mobilise political, technical, and financial backing for the project.
Abdullahi described the port’s economic value as “immense and non-negotiable,” while Oyetola admitted that funding delays have stalled progress but expressed optimism that these hurdles would be overcome with legislative support.
The committee resolved to conduct an on-the-spot inspection of Baro Port on Saturday as part of immediate steps toward activating full operations.
