By Sola Ayanwola
Senator Muhammad Bima Enagi has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the development of the Baro port, which he described as a gateway to economic development in Niger State and Northern Nigeria.
The senator made the appeal during a chat with Journalists in Abuja recently.
He noted that the Baro port was designed to offer an economical, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly means of transporting cargoes along the inland waterways.
He emphasized that the port has the capacity to facilitate commerce, promote wealth creation, alleviate poverty, and create job opportunities for youths especially in Niger State
Additionally, the auxiliary sector of the boat-building industry would generate employment opportunities through active engagement of youths in welding and fabrication processes.
Senator Enagi recalled the port’s past glory, where it played host to multinational companies like UAC, with people working day and night. However, the port was abandoned in the late 1970s.
He also highlighted the efforts of late President Musa Yar’dua, who in 2009 awarded a contract for the dredging of River Niger to reopen economic activities in Baro port, an effort that was widely applauded.
“Despite the commissioning of the $16 million port project by former President Muhammad Buhari, the port has been practically abandoned and overgrown with weeds, “. he lamented.
Senator Enagi expressed dismay at the neglect, stating that “as the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria has no excuse for neglecting viable projects like Baro port, which can spur growth, jobs, and prosperity.”
The senator appealed to President Tinubu to complete all the necessary components of the Baro port, stressing the need to revive the port and make it functional, especially at a time when the nation is facing a decline in revenue generation.