As Project Remains ‘Commissioned on Paper’
An alarming assessment by the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on the Rehabilitation and Operationalisation of Baro Inland Port has called into question the quality and oversight of work carried out at the facility.
During a recent visit to the port and subsequent discussions with Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State, committee members voiced their displeasure over what they described as a project that remains “commissioned on paper.”
Rep. Idris Wase (APC-Plateau) highlighted the stark reality that despite financial investments, the port’s operational readiness remains conspicuously questionable, as it has failed to meet expectations since its commissioning under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2019.
Wase’s remarks indicate a deep-seated frustration among lawmakers who feel that past management has shirked responsibility, resulting in compromised infrastructure that is critical for Nigeria’s economic advancement.
Wase articulated the committee’s belief that Baro Port serves as a “gateway to Nigeria’s economy.”
The revival of this facility, he noted, could foster equitable infrastructure distribution across the nation – a claim that, if substantiated, could invigorate public and stakeholder support for the project.
This rosy view is, however, tempered by the urgent need for rectifying existing challenges, including operational failures and inadequate access routes.
House of Representatives, Saidu Abdullahi (APC-Niger), and the committee chair, corroborated these germane concerns by drawing attention to the dilapidated state of roads leading to the port.
He described this disrepair as a critical barrier to the port’s functionality, with access issues leaving the facility largely dormant for years.
Disturbingly, what should be a brief half-hour journey has morphed into a gruelling four-hour ordeal for vehicular traffic, emphasising the reach of infrastructural neglect.
To prevent the port from becoming “an elephant project,” both Wase and Abdullahi stressed the need for immediate action.
They called on relevant government agencies to address the pressing issues of road access and dredging—a vital step in making the port operational and beneficial to the economy.
The sentiment was echoed by Bolawale Adetola, General Manager of Business Development at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
He acknowledged the necessity of effectively collaborating with various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Federal Ministry of Works, to mobilise funds and resources needed to resolve these infrastructural shortcomings.
“Everything that a port requires is in place, but we face challenges with access roads and the silted navigation channels that must be dredged,” Adetola remarked.
His statements suggest that the critical elements for operational functionality exist but require concerted effort to be realised.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago underscored the port’s national significance, claiming it holds key potential to alleviate the strain on Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
He reaffirmed its historical importance as once being central to the Northern Africa Trade Corridor.
Bago reiterated that the project goes far beyond regional interests, reiterating its significance as a genuinely national endeavour integral to Nigeria’s development.
The recent engagement between the committee and state officials demonstrates a commitment to revitalise Baro Port, marking a renewed focus on regulatory accountability.
However, with the pressing need for infrastructure improvement and private sector involvement, questions remain about the effectiveness of previous investments and long-term management strategies.
As stakeholders rally for the port’s revival, it is imperative to closely monitor developments and hold accountable those responsible for addressing these pressing challenges.
Without these measures, the promise of Baro Port as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation may remain unrealised, leaving a profound impact on Nigeria’s financial outlook.
The inquiry into the Baro Inland Port typifies a critical reminder – and an eye-opener too – to the importance of transparent management, accountability, and the essential infrastructure needed for sustained economic progress.
As the committee progresses, the eyes of the nation will be on their actions, inactions and the collaborative efforts that follow to ensure the restoration of this strategic national asset.
