Introduction to Baro Inland Port Assessment
The House of Representative Ad-hoc Committee on Rehabilitation and Operationalisation of Baro Inland Port and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the port. Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Sai’du Abdullahi, led the visit to engage stakeholders and assess the port’s facilities.
Purpose of the Visit
The committee’s visit aimed to identify challenges hindering the commencement of the port’s operations. Abdullahi expressed satisfaction with the port equipment but lamented the lack of road and rail connectivity. He noted that virtually all equipment needed for the port’s takeoff is available, except for access roads and rail connectivity.
Challenges Facing the Port
The chairman highlighted that the contract for the access road was awarded nearly 10 years ago and has yet to be completed. He emphasized the need for project management and timelines for contracts. Abdullahi stated that a 30-minute journey takes four hours due to the lack of access roads. The committee plans to engage other stakeholders at the national assembly to tackle the challenges facing the port.
NIWA’s Perspective
Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of NIWA, described the visit as a welcome development. He noted that the port, inaugurated by President Buhari in 2019, has been underutilized. Oyebamiji disclosed that NIWA has been working to make the port operational and that the committee’s assistance would help address funding challenges. He emphasized that the port needs an access road and dredging to function effectively.
Current State of the Port
The port is situated along the River Niger and serves as a critical transportation hub for the country’s inland waterways and rail network. Despite having the necessary equipment, the port’s operations are hindered by the lack of access roads and dredging. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee’s visit is a step towards addressing these challenges.
Conclusion
The assessment of Baro Inland Port by the House of Representative Ad-hoc Committee and NIWA highlights the need for urgent attention to the port’s infrastructure. The lack of access roads and dredging has hindered the port’s operations, despite having the necessary equipment. The committee’s efforts to engage stakeholders and address funding challenges are crucial to making the port operational.
FAQs
- What is the current state of Baro Inland Port?
Baro Inland Port has the necessary equipment for operations but lacks access roads and dredging. - What is the purpose of the House of Representative Ad-hoc Committee’s visit?
The committee’s visit aims to assess the port’s facilities and identify challenges hindering its commencement. - What are the challenges facing the port?
The port faces challenges such as lack of access roads, rail connectivity, and dredging. - What is NIWA’s role in making the port operational?
NIWA has been working to make the port operational and requires the committee’s assistance to address funding challenges.
