The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, alongside the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Munirudeen Oyebamiji, over the protracted non-functional state of the Baro Inland Port in Niger State.
The summons, issued by the Chairman of the House Ad Hoc Committee on the Rehabilitation and Operationalisation of the Baro Port, Saidu Abdullahi, was made public during the committee’s sitting on Tuesday.
The duo are expected to appear before the panel with comprehensive documentation detailing the project’s financial transactions, including contract files, evaluation reports, and proof of work done.
“We are requesting every relevant document regarding the Baro Port project,” Abdullahi stated firmly. “This is not a witch-hunt. The committee is committed to doing a thorough job. The minister and the NIWA boss are directed to appear before us. Somebody must be held accountable for this national embarrassment.”
The lawmaker expressed dismay at the state of the multi-billion-naira project, describing it as a monumental scandal that must not be swept under the carpet.
“We need clarity on how much was paid to the contractor, and we demand a full financial breakdown. This is a serious matter. The House will not tolerate wasteful expenditure. Our duty is to the Nigerian people, and we must ensure that accountability prevails,” he said.
