President Buhari Says N6 billion Baro Port Will Decongest Apapa, Eastern Ports

By ZION Olalekan, Babalola Seun

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that apart from creating employment, the Baro River Port would decongest other ports in the country.

Buhari stated this at the commissioning of the newly completed Baro River Port in Niger State over the weekend.

The Port was part of abandoned projects which President Buhari had directed must be completed. The river port was built by Chinese firm Global Project Nigeria Limited (CGCC)

The President in his remark at the ceremony said he has personal attachment to Baro River Port project because he assisted in the design of the Port complex when he was Chairman of PTF.

He said the Port complex will enhance intermodal transportation connectivity in the Country.

According to him, “The port will reduce pressure of big trucks our roads and create huge employment opportunities for Nigerians. The Baro River Port will also help decongest other similar ports in the country”.

He promised that his administration will do more if re-elected into office during the forthcoming elections, especially the rehabilitation of roads leading to Baro River Port and its environs.

Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi commended Mr. President for directing them to complete all the abandoned projects in the past of which Baro River Port is one of them.

In his welcome remarks, the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora thanked Mr. President for personally commissioning the Baro River Port Complex and said the port was the first colonial port in the country and that he is happy that the new port was completed under this present administration.

He said the port is a veritable outlet to ensure transportation of goods, services and passengers in the country. The Port will also help in the creation of intermodal transportation system across the country.

He added that the Port will facilitate socio-cultural relationships, commerce, trade and Agricultural development.

Equipped with a Mobile Harbour Crane, Baro port boasts of Transit shed, Administrative block, fire hydrant system, water treatment plant, Reach stacker, 100KVA power generating set, and three numbers forklifts of various tonnages.

Onitsha River Port has already been rehabilitated while Oguta and Lokoja River Ports are in the final stages of completion.