BREAKING: FG orders NPA to take over inland dry port functions from shippers’ council

The Federal Government has instructed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to assume responsibility for the Inland Dry Port (IDP) functions that were previously managed by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC). Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola announced this directive on his X page. This move is part of the government's ongoing restructuring of the port sector following the passage of the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Act, 2026.

The NPERA Act will see the NSC transition into NPERA as the country's main port economic regulator. Oyetola explained that this transfer aims to establish a clear distinction between port economic regulation, development, and operations. He stated that this will enable NPERA to concentrate on its regulatory duties while entrusting the promotion of inland dry ports to the NPA, which is more suited to integrate these facilities into Nigeria's broader port infrastructure and operational network.

Oyetola also directed the formation of an immediate Ministerial Committee to oversee the transition of the NSC into NPERA after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave his assent to the NPERA Act, 2026. Under the new regulatory framework, NPERA will handle tariff and charge regulation, competition promotion, licensing, service standards, commercial dispute resolution, and port user protection.

The NSC, which has been acting as the interim port economic regulator since 2014, will now focus solely on economic regulation under NPERA. The government anticipates that this separation of responsibilities will enhance transparency and create a more predictable environment for port users, investors, terminal operators, and shipping companies.

With this transfer, the NPA will take on the management of IDP functions that were previously under the NSC. The government believes this move will strengthen inland dry ports by placing their promotion within an institution better equipped to integrate them into Nigeria's wider port infrastructure and operational network. Oyetola emphasized that the government's goal is to ensure a smooth transition while developing a port system that benefits the entire country.

The recent restructuring follows Nigeria's ongoing investments in expanding and modernizing its port infrastructure to improve capacity, efficiency, and competitiveness. Key improvements include automation, reduced cargo dwell time, expanded quays, and modern cargo-handling infrastructure. These developments are expected to minimize vessel turnaround time, enhance clearance efficiency, and bolster Nigeria's position in regional and global shipping networks.