President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday commissioned the six billion Naira Baro River port project in Niger State.
Buhari in his remark at the commissioning said he had personal attachment to Baro River Port project because he assisted in the design of the Port complex when he was Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF).
He said that the Port complex would enhance intermodal transportation connectivity in the country promising that his administration would do more if re-elected into office during the forthcoming elections especially the rehabilitation of roads leading to the port and its environs.
The President said the port would reduce pressure of big trucks on the nation’s roads and create huge employment opportunities for Nigerians adding that the Baro River Port would also help decongest other similar ports in the country.
On his part, the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi commended the President for directing them to complete all the abandoned projects in the past of which Baro River Port was one of them.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora thanked President Buhari for personally commissioning the Baro River Port Complex while recalling that the port was the first colonial port in the country and that he was happy that the new port was completed under this present administration.
He said the port was a veritable outlet to ensure transportation of goods, services and passengers in the country adding that the Port would also help in the creation of intermodal transportation system across the country.
He added that the Port would facilitate socio-cultural relationships, commerce, trade and agricultural development.
The Baro River Port was built by Chinese firm (CGCC Global Project Nigeria Limited) at the total cost of six billion naira, equipped with a Mobile Harbour Crane, 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.
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