NPERA, NPA Strategise On Seamless Handover Of Inland Dry Ports
NPERA, NPA Strategise On Seamless Handover Of Inland Dry Ports
…Propose Joint Inter-Agency Committee To Eliminate Jurisdictional Conflicts, Boost Trade Logistics.
In a strategic move aimed at streamlining maritime operations and deepening trade logistics into Nigeria’s hinterlands, the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, and the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, NPERA, have intensified inter-agency collaboration to ensure a smooth and seamless transition in the management and economic regulation of Inland Dry Ports, IDPs, across the country.
The renewed synergy was sealed during a high-level strategic meeting between the management of the NPA and the executive leadership of NPERA, held at the NPA Corporate Headquarters in Marina, Lagos.
The meeting, which was convened at the instance of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, was focused on developing a robust framework for effective collaboration between the two agencies following recent far-reaching regulatory reforms in the nation’s maritime sector.
This is coming barely weeks after the Minister, on September 3, 2026, directed the transfer of regulatory functions over Inland Dry Ports from NPA, explaining that the Federal Government is pursuing a clearer separation of roles covering port regulation, port development and port operations for greater efficiency.
The directive was sequel to the enactment of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which transformed the former Nigerian Shippers’ Council into NPERA with an expanded mandate.
Welcoming the NPERA delegation, the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, congratulated the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr. Pius Akutah, on the successful enactment of the legislation that has rebranded and repositioned the agency for greater service delivery.
Dantsoho reaffirmed NPA’s unwavering commitment to supporting NPERA in its new institutional role, stressing that close coordination and synergy among agencies operating under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is non-negotiable for sectoral growth.
According to him, the transition provides a unique opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s national logistics value chain and improve the seamless movement of cargo from the seaports to the hinterland.
“This transition represents a critical step forward in optimising our national logistics ecosystem. Greater alignment between sister agencies will be crucial to eliminating operational friction, improving port efficiency and unlocking the vast economic potential of trade across the country,” Dantsoho stated.
In his remarks, Dr. Akutah underscored the strategic and indispensable role of the NPA in the development, functionality and long-term sustainability of Inland Dry Ports, describing effective IDPs as critical catalysts for regional trade, industrialisation and the extension of maritime logistics into Nigeria’s hinterland.
“The Nigerian Ports Authority remains a cornerstone in ensuring our Inland Dry Ports function as effective centres for cargo transit and distribution to the hinterlands,” Akutah noted.
He explained that the visit was aimed at establishing a common understanding among all relevant agencies and stakeholders to guarantee an uninterrupted, efficient and rancour-free transition in the management of the nation’s Inland Dry Ports.
To forestall jurisdictional conflicts, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and avoid duplication of responsibilities, Akutah proposed the establishment of a Joint Inter-Agency Committee to function as a Technical Working Group.
The proposed committee, he said, will comprise representatives of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NPA, NPERA, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC.
According to him, the Technical Working Group will be mandated to identify and resolve potential operational conflicts, harmonise administrative procedures, streamline regulatory oversight and eliminate overlaps in responsibilities across Inland Dry Port operations nationwide.
At the end of the meeting, both Chief Executives reaffirmed their commitment to fully implementing the policy directives of the Honourable Minister and to aligning their institutional frameworks to promote trade facilitation, sustainable economic growth and greater efficiency in Nigeria’s port and logistics system.
About The Author
