By Charles Pemu 
The current administration’s renewed focus on the Baro River Port in Niger State represents a new, pragmatic approach to Nigeria’s infrastructure development. After years of being a “white elephant” project, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, is taking a coordinated approach to make the port functional. This effort is seen as a refreshing change from past administrations that prioritized political optics over practical execution.
The Baro Port has a long history, dating back to 1908 when it was a crucial hub for inland trade, linking to the Baro–Kano railway. In modern times, it was intended to relieve pressure on Lagos seaports and boost the North-Central region’s economy. However, despite being inaugurated with great fanfare in January 2019, the port never became operational. The previous administration failed to address critical issues: the access roads were in disrepair, the railway had collapsed, and the River Niger, which the port depends on, was not dredged to a navigable depth.
The previous port inauguration was a classic example of “the cart being put before the horse,” as the port was opened without the necessary supporting infrastructure or a concessionaire to operate it. This turned the facility into a silent monument to poor planning.
The current administration, however, is taking a different path. Dr. Oyetola has publicly acknowledged the “obvious infrastructural and navigational gaps” that have kept the port dormant. His ministry is now collaborating with other key ministries to address these issues. The Ministry of Works will rehabilitate the access roads, and the Ministry of Transportation will restore the rail link. The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) also plans to bring in a private operator through a public-private partnership model to ensure the port is run efficiently as a commercial entity.
While the task ahead is daunting and could cost over N1 trillion for dredging alone, the potential benefits are immense. A functional Baro Port would help decongest the ports in Lagos, reduce the cost of moving goods, and create a new economic gateway for Nigeria’s North-Central region. This would boost the country’s competitiveness within the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The success of this project hinges on sustained collaboration between the executive and legislative branches. The National Assembly, which holds the power of appropriation, must provide the necessary funding. For the first time in years, there appears to be a coordinated national effort to turn this dormant asset into an engine of growth, demonstrating that Nigeria can learn from its past mistakes and chart a new course for its future.