MARCON hails Akutah as new NPERA Act sets to unlock port investment, drive down logistics costs 

 

Maureen Aguta

 

The Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) has described the newly signed Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Act, 2026 as a watershed reform capable of transforming Nigeria’s port industry, attracting fresh investment and strengthening the country’s position as a regional maritime and logistics hub.

MARCON in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday, signed by its President, Ismail Aniemu, the organisation said the presidential assent to the legislation had brought to an end years of regulatory uncertainty in the port sector and provided, for the first time, a clear statutory foundation for economic regulation of Nigeria’s ports.

According to the organisation, the new law will enhance transparency, promote fair competition, improve service standards and provide greater predictability for investors, port operators, shippers and other users of the maritime system.

MARCON said the legislation was particularly significant because it gives full legal backing to economic regulatory functions previously performed by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on an interim basis since the commencement of the 2006 port concession programme.

The organisation noted that the NSC had, over the years, relied largely on government policy directives and a 2015 gazette in carrying out its economic regulatory responsibilities, making the enactment of a comprehensive law a long-standing demand of maritime stakeholders.
“This is a landmark development for Nigeria’s maritime industry,” MARCON said.

“The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act will strengthen oversight of tariffs, rates, charges, competition and service standards. It will give the regulator clear legal powers to protect shippers, ensure fair commercial practices and resolve disputes effectively.

“These are the foundations needed to attract serious investment, reduce the cost of doing business and improve overall port productivity.”

Under the new framework, NPERA will focus principally on economic regulation, including tariffs, charges, competition, licensing of port service providers, service standards and commercial dispute resolution.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), meanwhile, will retain its role as landlord of the nation’s ports as well as its technical and operational responsibilities.

MARCON said the separation of economic regulation from port ownership and technical operations would provide greater clarity of roles, minimise regulatory conflicts and create a more predictable environment for businesses.

The organisation said the law could also improve the competitiveness of Nigerian ports by strengthening the regulation of charges, encouraging fair competition among service providers and providing an effective mechanism for resolving commercial disputes.

It added that greater transparency and predictability in port operations would help reduce uncertainty for investors and operators, while improved efficiency could ultimately translate into lower logistics costs for businesses and consumers.

Beyond investment, MARCON said the new regulatory regime would safeguard the economic interests of shippers and cargo owners by providing stronger institutional protection against unfair commercial practices.

The organisation, however, stressed that the benefits of the legislation would depend largely on effective implementation.

It therefore called on government agencies, port operators, terminal concessionaires, shipping companies, freight forwarders, shippers and other stakeholders to support a smooth transition to the new regulatory regime.

MARCON also commended the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, for what it described as his sustained commitment and leadership in driving the legislation through the lengthy legislative process.

The organisation noted that the Bill underwent several revisions, repassage by the National Assembly and other legislative hurdles before eventually receiving presidential assent.

“Dr. Akutah’s dedication to institutional reform and his unwavering focus on strengthening the regulatory framework for Nigerian ports deserve recognition,” MARCON said.

“His efforts have helped bring to fruition a reform that stakeholders across the industry have long demanded.”

MARCON expressed optimism that the NPERA Act would usher in a more credible and competitive port environment, strengthen Nigeria’s attractiveness to domestic and international investors and support the Federal Government’s broader blue economy agenda.

The organisation said effective implementation of the law could ultimately help Nigeria move from a port system characterised by regulatory uncertainty and high logistics costs to one driven by transparency, competition, efficiency and investor confidence.

It urged all stakeholders to seize the opportunity presented by the new law to reposition Nigerian ports as efficient gateways for trade and stronger competitors within the West and Central African maritime market.