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 organised by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, 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.
While the gazetted NPERA Act, 2026, and official logo were formally unveiled on Friday, NPERA fully transitioned in August 2026.
Speaking during the ceremony, Oyetola praised the tenacity of the Director-General of NPERA, Dr Pius Akutah, for pushing relentlessly to ensure the bill’s passage, describing it as a milestone for port regulation, investor confidence and Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.
The Minister noted that the development gives port economic regulation a firm statutory footing after nearly two decades of effort, advising the agency to act as an impartial arbiter.
“The credibility of an economic regulator rests, in no small measure, on its independence, impartiality and freedom from responsibilities that could give rise to actual or perceived conflicts of interest,” Oyetola stated.
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.
