The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has dismissed claims that Minister Adegboyega Oyetola awarded a multibillion-naira contract for the Baro Inland Port project, describing the reports as false and misleading.

In a statement on Sunday, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr Bolaji Akinola, clarified that no such contract has been awarded under the current administration.

He noted that the Baro Port project predates Oyetola’s tenure and said any suggestions otherwise are inaccurate and should be treated as misinformation.

“No multibillion-naira contract has been awarded by Adegboyega Oyetola in connection with the Baro Port project. The project is not new. It was conceived, planned, and initiated under previous administrations,” Akinola stated.

The Baro Inland Port in Niger State was officially commissioned in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, not under the current administration. However, the facility has remained largely non-operational since then due to the absence of essential infrastructure such as functional road and rail links required for port operations.

Akinola further clarified that while the project remains of national significance, the present administration has not awarded or initiated any new contracts related to the Baro Port.

“Our focus remains on assessing existing infrastructure and creating a roadmap for sustainable development, not on duplicating past efforts,” he noted.

Contrary to recent reports claiming that Minister Adegboyega Oyetola was summoned by the National Assembly, Dr Bolaji Akinola clarified that no such summons or investigation took place.

He explained that the Minister was formally invited to participate in a stakeholders’ engagement session convened by the Ad-hoc Committee on National Stakeholders Engagement on the Challenges and Prospects of the Baro Inland Port.

Akinola noted that the session was aimed at fostering dialogue and assessing the current state and future potential of the Baro Port project. He added that the ministry was duly represented at the meeting, reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement with all arms of government.

“We view stakeholder engagements as an essential part of policy formulation and project evaluation. The Ministry’s participation reflects our ongoing commitment to accountability, intergovernmental cooperation, and national development,” he stated.

He said the Minister remains committed to driving sustainable growth across Nigeria’s maritime and inland waterway sectors, while ensuring that every naira spent is guided by transparency, accountability, and national interest.