The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has firmly denied claims that Minister Adegboyega Oyetola awarded a multibillion-naira contract for the Baro Inland Port project, describing the reports as entirely false and misleading.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr Bolaji Akinola, clarified that the current administration had not issued any such contract.
He explained that the Baro Port project began under previous administrations and not during Oyetola’s tenure. “No multibillion-naira contract has been awarded by Adegboyega Oyetola in connection with the Baro Port project. The project is not new. It was conceived, planned, and initiated under earlier governments,” Akinola stated.
The Baro Inland Port, situated in Niger State, was officially commissioned in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. However, the port has remained largely inactive due to inadequate supporting infrastructure, particularly road and rail links essential for its operation.
Akinola emphasised that while the Baro Port remains a project of national significance, the current government has not introduced any new contracts for its development.
“Our priority is to evaluate existing infrastructure and devise a sustainable development roadmap—not to repeat past initiatives,” he said.
Dispelling claims that Oyetola was summoned by the National Assembly, Akinola clarified that the Minister was invited to a stakeholders’ engagement session organised by the Ad-hoc Committee on National Stakeholders Engagement on the Challenges and Prospects of the Baro Inland Port.
He explained that the session aimed to encourage dialogue and assess the port’s current status and future viability. The Ministry was represented at the session, reinforcing its dedication to intergovernmental cooperation.
“We consider stakeholder engagements a vital part of policy development and project review. Our participation demonstrates our commitment to accountability and national progress,” Akinola added.
He reaffirmed the Minister’s focus on promoting sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime and inland waterways, while ensuring full transparency in public spending.
“We urge the public and media to seek accurate information through proper channels and to avoid circulating unfounded stories that could derail collective efforts to advance national infrastructure,” he concluded.