House Of Reps Summons Marine Minister Oyetola, Waterways Authority NIWA Over Billions Spent On Idle Baro Port

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee has summoned the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, to explain the continued non-functionality of the Baro Inland Port.

The lawmakers raised concerns over the multi-billion naira project which was commissioned in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari but remains inactive due to unresolved infrastructure problems.

During a hearing in Abuja, Committee Chairman Saidu Abdullahi said, “We are not here to fight anybody but to get answers. 

“The Managing Director and Minister must appear before us to explain how billions were spent without delivering value to Nigerians.”

He directed that all project documents, including contract agreements, payment records, inspection reports, and any official declaration of the port’s operational status, be submitted.

Officials from NIWA attributed the port’s inactivity to poor access roads, difficult water navigation, vandalised railway lines, and security issues.

Agbahe Fidelis, NIWA’s General Manager for Ports, disclosed that the project has yet to begin commercial operations despite its official commissioning in 2019.

The committee gave a seven-day ultimatum for the submission of the documents, insisting that those involved in the failure must be held accountable.

Lawmakers described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that the Baro port holds strategic importance to Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and economic advancement.