The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has denied reports alleging that Adegboyega Oyetola awarded a multibillion-naira contract for the Baro Inland Port project, insisting the claims are false and misleading.
In a statement issued at the weekend, the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, emphasized that no such contract was awarded under the current administration, stating that the Baro Port project predates the Oyetola-led ministry and that any assertions to the contrary are “inaccurate and should be regarded as misinformation.”
He said: “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 previous administrations.”
The Baro Inland Port, located in Niger State, was officially commissioned in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, not under the current leadership.
However, since its commissioning, the facility has remained largely non-operational due to a lack of critical infrastructure, including adequate road and rail connections necessary for port activities.
Akinola further said that while the project remains of national interest, the current administration has not initiated any new contracts related to the 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 Oyetola was summoned by the National Assembly, the ministry clarified that there was no summons or investigation of the minister.
Rather, Oyetola was formally invited to participate in a stakeholders’ engagement session organized 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 potential of the Baro Port initiative.
The Guardian
