By EricJames Ochigbo
The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Baro Inland Port has expressed concern over the deplorable condition of access roads to the multi-billion-naira facility.
Committee Chairman, Rep. Saidu Abdullahi (APC–Niger), during an oversight visit to the port in Niger, described the road condition as the greatest obstacle to its functionality.
He said that in spite of Baro Port’s potential to boost trade, create jobs, and expand the economy, poor road access had left it largely idle since commissioning.
According to him, a journey that should take 30 minutes now drags into four gruelling hours due to failed portions of the road.
He stressed that unless urgent attention is given to road infrastructure, other efforts to revive the port would amount to a waste of resources.
“The roads are a major hindrance to the full operationalisation of Baro Inland Port. A 30-minute journey now takes over four hours.
“This is unacceptable for a facility of this magnitude, expected to serve as a hub for trade and industrial growth,” the lawmaker said.
He maintained that without motorable roads, cargo cannot move in or out of the port, nor can neighbouring communities benefit from its presence.
Abdullahi assured that the committee would submit strong recommendations to the House of Representatives and the Executive, prioritising road rehabilitation and dredging works.
Mr Bolawale Adetola, General Manager, Business Development at NIWA, said the port, though commissioned in 2019, has remained underutilised.
He explained that the major challenges are the dilapidated access roads and a heavily silted channel that requires dredging to allow smooth operations.
“Everything a port requires is on ground. The real challenges are road access and dredging. Stronger inter-agency collaboration is also needed,” Adetola stated.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Etsu Nupe, Alh. Yahaya Abubakar, recalled Baro’s former vibrancy as a transport hub.
He said it linked northern Nigeria to other regions, lamenting the collapse of rail and water systems which left citizens overly dependent on road transport.
The traditional ruler said: “Many of us remember when the port was thriving. It boosted the economy of this area and the entire country.
“Goods and passengers once travelled by train from Baro to Kano, Kaduna and Gusau. Rail and water transport then made life easier for Nigerians.
