The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has denied reports alleging that Minister Adegboyega Oyetola awarded a multibillion-naira contract for the Baro Inland Port project, insisting the claims are entirely false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr Bolaji Akinola, emphasised that no such contract was awarded under the current administration.
He explained 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.”
“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,” Akinola stated.
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 clarified further that while the project remains of national interest, the current administration has not initiated any new contracts related to Baro Port.
“Our focus remains on assessing existing infrastructure and creating a roadmap for sustainable development, not on duplicating past efforts,” he added.
Contrary to recent reports suggesting that Oyetola was summoned by the National Assembly, Akinola clarified that there was no summons or investigation of the Minister.
He added that Oyetola was formally invited to participate in a stakeholders’ engagement session organised by the Ad-hoc Committee on National Stakeholders Engagement on the Challenges and Prospects of the Baro Inland Port.
Akinola stressed that the session was designed to foster dialogue and evaluate the current status and future potential of the Baro Port initiative. According to Akinola, the ministry was duly represented at the engagement session, underscoring its commitment to collaboration with all arms of government.
“We view stakeholder engagements as an essential part of policy formulation and project evaluation. The Ministry’s participation reflects our ongoing commitment to accountability, intergovernmental cooperation, and national development,” he said.
He said that the minister remains dedicated to driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime and inland waterway sectors, while ensuring that every naira spent is accounted for.
“We urge the public and media to verify information through appropriate channels and avoid spreading unfounded narratives that could undermine the collaborative efforts being made towards national infrastructure development,” Akinola concluded.