NPERA will transform Nigeria’s Ports, cut trade costs — NAGAFF
Maureen Aguta
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has welcomed the establishment of the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulator Agency (NPERA), describing the reform as a major step towards improving transparency, efficiency and accountability in the nation’s port system.
The association congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the initiative, saying the creation of an independent economic regulator would help address longstanding concerns over tariff administration, competition and dispute resolution in the maritime sector.
NAGAFF National President, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, said the reform would fundamentally reshape the governance of Nigerian ports by separating economic regulation from port operations.
Ezisi said the move would enable the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to concentrate on infrastructure development and service delivery, while NPERA assumes responsibility for economic regulation and oversight.
“The creation of NPERA is a transformative milestone that will rebalance Nigeria’s port governance. By separating operational functions under the Nigeria Ports Authority from regulatory oversight under NPERA, the government has ensured transparency, fairness and efficiency in port operations,” he said.
According to him, freight forwarders, importers and exporters are among those expected to benefit most from the new regulatory framework, particularly if it results in more predictable tariffs, stronger competition and faster resolution of commercial disputes.
He said terminal operators would also benefit from clearer concession and regulatory guidelines, although they would be required to operate under closer regulatory scrutiny.
Ezisi noted that shipping lines could benefit from a more predictable tariff regime, while the removal of regulatory responsibilities from the NPA would allow the authority to focus more effectively on its core mandate of port infrastructure and operations.
He, however, stressed that the success of NPERA would depend largely on the transparency and independence with which it exercises its regulatory powers.
The NAGAFF president urged the Federal Government to provide the new agency with the institutional capacity, funding and legal backing required to effectively regulate the sector and prevent regulatory capture.
He also called on stakeholders across the maritime industry to support the reform, arguing that a properly functioning economic regulatory system would strengthen investor confidence and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness as a regional maritime hub.
“For freight forwarders and traders, the expectation is clear: transparent tariff structures, improved competitiveness and fair dispute resolution. For the wider economy, the objective should be lower logistics costs, faster cargo clearance and a more competitive port environment,” Ezisi said.
He added that NAGAFF was prepared to work with NPERA, NPA, terminal operators, shipping lines and other stakeholders to ensure that the reform delivers tangible benefits to port users and the Nigerian economy.
“NAGAFF stands ready to collaborate with NPERA, NPA and all stakeholders to ensure that this reform delivers on its promise of a more competitive, transparent and globally aligned maritime sector,” he said.
Ezisi urged the government to sustain its support for the reform and called on industry operators to embrace the new regulatory framework in the interest of trade facilitation, economic growth and Nigeria’s emergence as a competitive maritime hub.