5 Years On: Baro Port Remains Dormant Despite Billions Invested

Five years since its grand inauguration, the Baro Inland Port in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State remains eerily silent, a stark contrast to the optimism that accompanied its unveiling. Despite billions invested and promises of economic growth, the port lies dormant, with no signs of activity on its sprawling premises.

The port, commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2019, was envisioned as a key player in enhancing intermodal transportation connectivity, easing pressure on roads, and creating economic opportunities. However, the reality paints a different picture as the port stands idle, its potential untapped.

According to Daily Trust Saturday, locals expressed disappointment and concern over the port’s inactivity. Ndagana Mohammed, a Baro-based school teacher, lamented the lack of development despite sacrifices made by the community during the port’s construction.

Similarly, Ismaila Alhaji Aliyu, the councillor representing Baro ward, voiced worries over the project’s stagnation despite substantial investments.

The main hurdles preventing the port’s operation appear to be the poor state of access roads and railway networks. Both the Baro/Katcha/Agaie and Baro/Muye roads suffer from neglect, hindering transportation to and from the port. Additionally, the railway network, once vital for goods movement, has become obsolete.

Furthermore, the lack of maintenance dredging poses a challenge to the port’s usability, with experts highlighting the need for regular upkeep to sustain navigability.

Stakeholders are now pinning their hopes on President Tinubu’s administration to breathe life into the dormant port. Sayuti Halilu Ibrahim, the chairman of Agaie Local Government, urged President Tinubu to prioritize the port’s revival, emphasizing its potential to spur economic growth and tourism.

Echoing these sentiments, the Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, emphasized the port’s historical significance and called for urgent action to kickstart operations.

Baro port manager, Usman Bumba, highlighted the lack of an access road and the need for maintenance dredging as key obstacles to the port’s activation. Despite these challenges, he reassured that the port’s technical equipment remains in pristine condition, awaiting the day when operations finally commence.