Multibillion-naira Baro Port Contract Predated Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, denied awarding a multibillion-naira contract for the Baro inland port project, saying the current administration had not initiated any new agreements related to Baro Port.

The special adviser to the minister on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, said on Sunday that the multi-billion naira Baro Port project predated the Oyetola-led ministry.

According to Akinola, any assertions to the contrary are “inaccurate and should be regarded as misinformation.”

“No multibillion-naira contract has been awarded by Adegboyega Oyetola in connection with the Baro Port project,” Akinola declared. “The project is not new. It was conceived, planned, and initiated under previous administrations.”

Akinola stated further that the Baro Inland Port, located in Niger State, was officially inaugurated in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, not under the current administration.

However, since its inauguration, the facility has mainly remained non-operational due to a lack of critical infrastructure, including adequate road and rail connections necessary for port activities.

Akinola clarified further that while the project remains of national interest, the current administration has not initiated any new contracts related to Baro Port.

“Our focus remains on assessing existing infrastructure and creating a roadmap for sustainable development, not on duplicating past efforts,” he added.

Akinola also said that contrary to recent media reports suggesting that Minister Oyetola was summoned by the National Assembly, the Ministry clarified that there was no summons or investigation of the Minister. Instead, Oyetola was formally invited to participate in a stakeholders’ engagement session organised by the Ad-hoc Committee on National Stakeholders Engagement on the Challenges and Prospects of the Baro Inland Port. The session was designed to foster dialogue and evaluate the current status and future potential of the Baro Port initiative.

According to Akinola, the Ministry was duly represented at the engagement session, underscoring its commitment to collaboration with all government agencies.

“We view stakeholder engagements as an essential part of policy formulation and project evaluation,” Akinola stated. “The Ministry’s participation reflects our ongoing commitment to accountability, intergovernmental cooperation, and national development.”

Minister Oyetola, who assumed office as head of the newly created Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, has consistently emphasised transparency and responsibility in the execution of projects. According to his spokesperson, the Minister remains dedicated to driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime and inland waterway sectors, while ensuring that every naira spent is accounted for.

“We urge the public and media to verify information through appropriate channels and avoid spreading unfounded narratives that could undermine the collaborative efforts towards national infrastructure development,” Akinola added.