The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalising the Baro River Port in Niger State as a key inland trade hub.
Speaking before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee, Oyetola said poor infrastructure and limited river navigability have hindered the port’s operations since its commissioning in 2019.
He outlined plans to dredge 2,000km of waterways, enhance road and rail connections, attract private operators, and ensure transparent governance.
The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, highlighted the port’s historic significance in regional trade and said it is structurally ready, but stressed that dredging and improved transport access are essential.
Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, confirmed that a rail link is being developed to integrate the port into the national transport network.
Committee Chairman, Saidu Musa Abdullahi, described the Baro River Port as a strategic asset for trade, regional integration, and economic diversification, pledging the legislature’s full support for its activation.
