The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has officially unveiled the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), the country’s statutory economic regulator for the maritime and port sector.
The unveiling took place during the 3rd Quarter 2026 Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, themed “Building Strategic Bilateral Partnerships for Sustainable Growth, Investment, and Technology of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy”, on Friday, 16 October 2026, at Lagos Continental Hotel.
The agency is mandated to regulate the economic aspects of Nigeria’s ports and maritime industry, including port tariffs, licensing of service providers and resolution of commercial disputes.
NPERA was established under the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 19 June 2026. The Act repeals the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act and transitions the Nigerian Shippers’ Council into the new agency.
Although formally unveiled on Friday, NPERA commenced operations in August 2026.
The agency’s core responsibilities include reviewing, approving and setting maximum tariffs for port services such as terminal handling, storage, stevedoring, pilotage and towage. It is also empowered to register and license port service providers and handle commercial complaints through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
The establishment of NPERA separates economic regulation and oversight from the operational responsibilities of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), creating distinct roles for the two institutions within the port sector.
Dr Ibrahim Shema is the Chairman of NPERA’s Governing Board, while Dr Pius Akutah serves as Director-General and Chief Executive Officer.
