The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has denied reports that Minister Adegboyega Oyetola awarded a multibillion-naira contract for the Baro Inland Port project.
In a statement on Sunday, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, described the claims as false and misleading.
“No contract has been awarded by Oyetola regarding Baro Port. The project predates this administration and was initiated by previous governments,” Akinola clarified.
The Baro Inland Port in Niger State was commissioned in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari but has remained largely inactive due to insufficient infrastructure like road and rail links.
Akinola further stressed that the current administration has not initiated any new contracts related to the project. Instead, the ministry is focused on evaluating existing infrastructure and planning for sustainable development.
Contrary to reports of a National Assembly summons, Akinola explained that Minister Oyetola was merely invited to a stakeholder engagement session by an ad-hoc committee to discuss the status and potential of the Baro Port.
“Our participation reflects our commitment to intergovernmental cooperation and accountability,” Akinola added, urging the public and media to seek accurate information and avoid spreading misinformation.
