Farmers and Fishermen Plead for Activation to Boost Local Economy
The Baro Inland Port in Niger State, inaugurated in 2019 at a cost of N5.8 billion, remains non-operational. Local farmers and fishermen are appealing to the government to make the port functional, hoping it will enhance transportation and stimulate economic growth in the region.
Five years after its grand inauguration, the Baro Inland Port in Niger State stands idle, despite the N5.8 billion investment aimed at boosting the local economy. The port, located in Agaie Local Government Area, was commissioned in January 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, with expectations of transforming the region’s transportation and trade sectors.
Equipped with a 150-metre quay, a 7,000 square metre cargo stacking yard, and a transit shed of 3,600 square metres, the port was designed to handle significant cargo volumes. However, since its commissioning, no cargo has been processed, and the facility remains dormant.
Local farmers and fishermen, who anticipated that the port would provide easier access to markets and reduce transportation costs, express their disappointment. They are now urging the government to operationalise the port to revitalise the local economy and improve their livelihoods.
One major hindrance to the port’s functionality is the poor state of access roads. The 53-kilometre Agaie-Katcha-Baro road, crucial for connecting the port to other regions, remains in disrepair, making transportation to and from the port challenging.
The neglect of such a significant infrastructure project raises concerns about resource utilisation and regional development. Residents and stakeholders are calling on the government to address these issues promptly, ensuring that the port serves its intended purpose and contributes to the nation’s economic growth.
