TOOTHLESS BULLDOG NIGERIA’S SHIPPERS COUNCIL (NSC) NOW NIGERIAN PORTS ECONOMIC REGULATORY AGENCY (NPERA).
The Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) has described the newly signed Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Act, 2026, as a landmark development capable of boosting investor confidence and placing Nigeria’s port sector on a stronger path toward improved productivity, transparency and competitiveness.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, the association said the presidential assent to the long-awaited legislation marked a decisive end to years of regulatory uncertainty that had constrained the optimal performance of the nation’s port industry.
According to the statement signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Frank Odinukaeze, the association described the Act as a significant institutional reform that provides a dedicated statutory framework for the economic regulation of Nigeria’s ports.
The new law replaces the interim regulatory arrangement under which the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) had operated since 2014, following the commencement of the port concession programme.
“This is a landmark development for Nigeria’s maritime industry. The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act will strengthen oversight of tariffs, rates, charges, competition and service standards. It will provide the regulator with clear legal powers to protect shippers, promote fair commercial practices and resolve disputes effectively.
“These are the foundations required to attract meaningful investment, reduce the cost of doing business and improve overall port productivity,” MAJAN stated.
The association also commended the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, for his leadership, persistence and commitment to ensuring the passage of the legislation.
MAJAN recognised Akutah’s sustained advocacy, stakeholder engagement and determination throughout the legislative process, which involved several revisions, repassage by the National Assembly and eventual presidential assent.
“Dr. Akutah’s dedication to institutional reform and his unwavering commitment to strengthening the regulatory framework for Nigerian ports deserve recognition. His efforts have contributed significantly to the realisation of a reform that stakeholders across the maritime industry have long advocated,” the association said.
MAJAN expressed optimism that the effective and timely implementation of the NPERA Act would result in measurable improvements in port efficiency, greater predictability for investors and operators, and stronger alignment of Nigeria’s port system with international best practices.
The association urged relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders to support a smooth transition and effective operationalisation of the new regulatory framework in the interest of national economic growth and the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda.
The NPERA Act provides statutory backing for economic regulatory functions previously performed by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council on an interim basis. Before the enactment of the new law, the NSC’s regulatory activities were largely based on government policy and a 2015 gazette rather than a dedicated enabling legislation.
Under the new framework, NPERA is expected to focus primarily on economic regulation, including tariffs, rates, charges, competition, licensing of service providers, service standards and commercial dispute resolution. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), meanwhile, retains its role as the landlord port authority with technical and operational responsibilities.
MAJAN, however, called for clear delineation of responsibilities among maritime agencies to prevent overlapping functions, particularly between NPERA and the NPA.
The association identified several potential benefits of the new regulatory regime, including a stronger and enforceable regulatory framework; improved oversight of tariffs, rates and charges; promotion of fair competition; effective licensing and service standards; efficient commercial dispute resolution; increased transparency and predictability; enhanced investor confidence; improved port efficiency; reduced logistics costs; and stronger protection for port users.
It added that the Act would also safeguard the economic interests of shippers and cargo owners while contributing to a more credible and competitive port environment capable of strengthening Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime and logistics hub.
