[REVISION HISTORY]

Nigeria seaport economic regulation reform

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-18 19:38 UTC → 2026-08-20 05:59 UTC · added ~~removed~~

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Act, 2026, establishing a permanent statutory foundation for economic regulation within Nigeria’s seaports. The legislation aims to manage tariffs, competition, service standards, and commercial disputes, transitioning these responsibilities from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC). While industry stakeholders welcomed the Act as an opportunity to address operational bottlenecks and arbitrary charges, maritime experts raised concerns regarding potential jurisdictional overlap with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Following the enactment, NPERA has formally commenced operations. Dr. Ibrahim Shema, Chairman of the NPERA Governing Board, stated that the transition from the NSC will be orderly, addressing assets, personnel, and existing contracts. The agency clarified that it will not compete with the NPA, which retains responsibility for port infrastructure and landlord functions. The new framework is intended to enhance Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness through transparency, efficiency, and accountability. 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. The agency intends to utilize technology and data to create a more transparent and competitive environment.

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