The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Rehabilitation and Operationalisation of the Baro Inland Port has summoned the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, over anomalies surrounding the non-functional multi-billion-naira inland port project.
Issuing the summons during a session in Abuja on Tuesday, the Committee Chairman, Saidu Abdullahi, also directed NIWA to submit all relevant documents relating to the planning, construction, handover, and current status of the port, which was initially intended to ease pressure on seaports and promote inland waterway transportation.
The committee gave NIWA and the Ministry seven days to submit detailed documentation, including contract papers, project scope, payment history, inspection reports, photographs, and any correspondence confirming that the port was officially declared operational.
“We need everything — the full contract files, evaluation reports, and evidence of what was done and what wasn’t. We are not here to fight anybody. This committee is serious about its work. The Managing Director and the Minister are summoned to appear. We want the financial breakdown. Let’s stop playing games — somebody must take responsibility for what is clearly a scandal,” Abdullahi said.
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He added that the port project, which has reportedly consumed billions of naira, cannot be allowed to go to waste.
“This is a very serious matter. We cannot allow a project that has gulped several billions of naira to go to waste. This House will not accept it. We owe the Nigerian people accountability,” he added.
Lawmakers at the session voiced disappointment over what they described as inconsistencies in claims regarding the port’s completion and usability. They questioned why a facility said to have been completed and handed over remains non-operational, with no evidence of cargo movement or road accessibility.
The committee resolved to go beyond oral assurances and review actual evidence of the port’s functionality.
It was further revealed that the port, despite being commissioned in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, remains idle due to critical infrastructure deficits.
Representing the NIWA Managing Director, the General Manager of Ports and Environmental Services, Agbahe Fidelis, attributed the non-operation to factors such as access limitations, siltation of waterways, vandalised rail links, and security challenges.
The committee also resolved to conduct a follow-up visit to the Baro Port for independent assessment and verification.
It further insisted that agencies that failed to honour the committee’s invitation, including the Ministry of Works and the Nigeria Railway Corporation, must attend the next session.
“This is not about witch-hunt. It’s about accountability. The people deserve to know what happened to their money,” a committee member said.
