From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
The N1.2billion federal government project, Baro port in Niger state, which commenced about two years ago, has attained 95 per cent completion according to the Chairman of the Inland Water Ways Authority Governing Board, Hajiya Ina Ciroma.
Exchanging views with the Niger state Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu at government house Minna on Tuesday, Hajiya Ciroma said when completed, the port will be of full benefit to the people of Niger state and Nigerians in general.
She however said the completion of the job will be meaningless, unless the road leading to Baro from other parts of the state are constructed.
She said, “at the moment there is no access road to Baro port, I want to appeal to the governor to assist in the construction of the only road leading to the port.”
She said that the governing board has decided to carry out a sensitization visits to most riverside areas of the country to educate the people on proper ways of water transportation.
According to the Chairman, the board was disturbed by the loss of lives and property at Nupeko and Malale communities in Niger state as a result of road mishap which has necessitated the sensitisation tour that will also start at the two communities before being taken to the remaining geo-political zones of the country.
Responding, the Niger state governor Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu commended the federal government for the work done on the Baro port and directed that the commissioner for Works in the state should advise the executive council immediately what can be done to ensure the construction of the road to Baro.
Governor Aliyu also on Tuesday received the North Korean Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Jong Yong Chol during which the Ambassador said North Korea is ready to collaborate with Nigeria in the area of culture, environmental beautification and medicine.
Governor Aliyu urged the North Korean government to send more medical doctors to the state promising that every assistance will be given to them to ensure their stay in the state is peaceful.
