NPERA Commences Operation, Targets Fair Tariffs, Faster Cargo Clearance
Oluchi Chibuzor The Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) has formally commenced operations as the statutory economic regulator of Nigeria’s ports, with a mandate to promote fair tariffs, faster cargo
The Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) has officially begun its operations as the official economic overseer of Nigeria's ports. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval of the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, 2026, paved the way for this establishment. Dr. Ibrahim Shema, Chairman of the NPERA Governing Board, hailed the development as a "fundamental reform" in Nigeria's port governance, marking the fulfillment of nearly five decades of progress in port economic regulation.
NPERA's mandate encompasses promoting fair tariffs, expediting cargo clearance, fostering competition, and enhancing predictability in the industry. The agency's responsibilities inherit those of the interim Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, established in 1978 and responsible for tariff regulation, dispute resolution, and user protection. Following the enactment of the NPERA Act, these duties now have a permanent legal foundation.
NPERA's scope extends to regulating port tariffs and charges, licensing, service standards, fair competition, commercial disputes, trade facilitation, and safeguarding port users. Dr. Shema clarified that NPERA will not compete with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) but will work in tandem, each fulfilling its designated responsibilities. The NPA retains jurisdiction over port infrastructure and its landlord functions.
Dr. Pius Akutah, NPERA's Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, expressed confidence that the new law and agency would significantly streamline the regulatory landscape for Nigeria's ports within one to two years. NPERA aims to clear up regulatory uncertainties, encourage competition, boost trade facilitation, and strengthen government revenue.
The agency's stronger authority will facilitate more efficient commercial dispute resolution and protect the interests of port users and stakeholders. The commencement of NPERA signifies a significant transformation in Nigeria's port governance, with economic regulation now overseen by a distinct statutory body separate from the NPA's infrastructure and landlord responsibilities.
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