The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) bill is currently before President Bola Tinubu as it awaits presidential assent having successfully scaled through the two legislative houses.
Dr. Akutah Pius MON, Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), disclosed this while speaking at the Council’s 2025 operational retreat for Middle Management Staff in Abeokuta, on Wednesday.
“This retreat is coming at a time of transition from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA). You are all aware of the progress we are making with the bill that has been passed by through the National Assembly, which is now before Mr. President for assent. NPERA is a reflection of the current administration’s concerted efforts to create a more structural and efficient port regulatory system in Nigeria.
“Essentially, the passage of that bill will establish a strong, independent regulatory regime with enforceable legal powers, unlike the current law. You know that in that law, there are some legal provisions that even have to do with criminal prosecutions,” Akutah said.
The NSC boss maintained that the President is not only committed to dealing with regulatory issues in the maritime sector, but also enhancing the blue economy in general.
Akutah asserted that the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and subsequent robust activities of the Ministry under the leadership of Adegboyega Oyetola underscores the importance of the sector to the nation’s development.
He equally reassured that the NSC would continue to work diligently for the industry by reducing arbitrary charges, enhanced stakeholders’ engagement, and enhancing robust dispute resolutions.
On her part, the President of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro, reiterated the need to have an economic regulator to manage fiscal regulatory issues.
While delivering a paper titled: “Understanding the New Regulatory Environment, Regulatory Framework and Transition,” Usoro expressed optimism that NPERA would provide regulatory framework for effective and efficient economic regulation of regulated port services, guard against arbitrariness and promote fair competition.
Usoro, however, noted that with the establishment of NPERA, Shippers’ Council must relinquish its functions of instituting and managing Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) and Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs).
In his welcome remarks, the NSC Director of Strategic Planning and Research, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose, described the middle management staff as the powerhouse of the Council, even as he encouraged them to maximise the opportunity to learn from industry veterans.
“As middle managers of the Shippers Council, you are the engine of our operations. You connect the strategic with the tactical aspects. You keep things running, you keep people motivated, and you ensure that results are delivered.
“In a fast-moving environment like ours, your ability to adapt, make informed decisions, and lead with confidence is what makes Shippers Council a community in the Marine and Blue Economy of the nation. During this retreat, we will be digging into the details. We will look at our systems and our people strategies,” Anifowose said.
