Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency established to oversee port services

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has officially transitioned into the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) following presidential assent to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026. This institutional reform establishes NPERA as the statutory authority for the economic regulation of ports in Nigeria.

NPERA will oversee port services, including tariffs, licensing, service standards, and commercial dispute resolution. The agency aims to create a more transparent and competitive environment through the use of technology and data. Dr. Ibrahim Shema, Chairman of the NPERA Governing Board, clarified that the agency will provide independent economic oversight and will not compete with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which retains responsibility for port infrastructure and landlord functions.

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has welcomed the establishment of NPERA, describing it as a milestone for maritime reform. NAGAFF noted that separating operational functions under the NPA from economic regulatory oversight under NPERA should promote fairness and efficiency for traders, shipping lines, and terminal operators.