NPERA introduces fines and prosecution to deter port infractions

The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) has introduced stricter penalties to deter infractions and improve port efficiency. Director-General Pius Akutah announced that corporations repeatedly violating port regulations could face fines of up to N20 million and criminal prosecution.

Under the new regulatory framework, individual first-time offenders face a minimum penalty of N500,000. Akutah noted that the previous framework under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council lacked the legal potency to effectively deter violations due to insignificant penalties.

The agency aims to support Nigeria’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 through automation, digitization, and stronger enforcement. Akutah emphasized that the objective is to create a deterrent regime to encourage compliance with standards rather than disrupting port operations.