The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has welcomed the establishment of the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulator Agency (NPERA), describing it as a landmark reform that will promote transparency, efficiency and competitiveness in Nigeria’s port operations.
NAGAFF also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the establishment of the agency, saying the reform would strengthen the country’s maritime governance framework and provide a more effective regulatory structure for the ports.
Speaking on the development, the National President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, said the creation of NPERA is a transformative milestone that will rebalance Nigeria’s port governance.
“By separating operational functions under the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) from regulatory oversight under NPERA, the government has ensured transparency, fairness, and efficiency in port operations. Freight forwarders and traders stand to benefit most from this reform, while terminal operators and NPA must adapt to reduced autonomy.”
Ezisi explained that freight forwarders and traders would benefit from transparent tariff structures, improved competitiveness and fair dispute resolution under the new regulatory framework.
He further stated that shipping lines would gain from predictable tariff regimes and reduced monopolistic practices, while terminal operators would benefit from clearer concession guidelines, although they would face stricter regulatory monitoring.
According to him, the reform would also allow the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to focus on infrastructure and service delivery, having been relieved of its dual responsibilities.
NAGAFF noted that the new regulatory framework would strengthen governance in the maritime sector in line with global standards, while consumers and traders could benefit from reduced logistics costs and improved cargo clearance efficiency.
The association said it is ready to collaborate with NPERA, NPA and other stakeholders to ensure that the reform delivers on its objectives.
“NAGAFF stands ready to collaborate with NPERA, NPA, and all stakeholders to ensure that this reform delivers on its promise of a more competitive, transparent, and globally aligned maritime sector. We urge the government to provide the necessary support and call on all operators to embrace this change in the collective interest of Nigeria’s trade and economic growth,” Ezisi said.
