NPERA Act Will Boost Investor Confidence, Accelerate Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector — MAJAN Commends Dr. Akutah
NPERA mAct Will Boost Investor Confidence, Accelerate Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector — MAJAN Commends Dr. Akutah
By Success Okezie
The Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) has described the newly signed Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026 as a transformative milestone that will restore investor confidence, deepen transparency, and drive productivity across Nigeria’s ports.
In a statement released in Lagos on Monday, MAJAN said President’s assent to the long-awaited legislation has effectively ended years of regulatory uncertainty that stalled efficiency and growth in the port industry.
According to the statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, *Frank Odinukaeze, the Act provides, for the first time, a dedicated statutory framework for the economic regulation of Nigerian ports. It replaces the interim arrangement under which the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC)* had operated since 2014.
MAJAN noted that the new law positions Nigeria’s maritime sector for global competitiveness.
“This is a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s maritime industry. The NPERA Act now gives the regulator clear legal authority to oversee tariffs, rates, charges, competition, and service standards. It empowers the agency to protect shippers, enforce fair commercial practices, and resolve disputes promptly. These are the critical pillars required to attract credible investment, lower the cost of doing business, and enhance port productivity,” the statement read.
The association gave special commendation to the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, for his steadfast leadership and commitment to seeing the reform through.
MAJAN acknowledged Dr. Akutah’s relentless advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic navigation of the legislative process — from bill revisions and repassage by the National Assembly to final Presidential assent.
“Dr. Akutah’s dedication to institutional reform and his focus on strengthening port regulation deserve national recognition. His efforts have delivered a reform that industry stakeholders have demanded for over a decade,” MAJAN stated.
The association expressed optimism that full and timely implementation of the NPERA Act will yield tangible results: improved port efficiency, greater predictability for investors and operators, reduced logistics costs, and alignment with international best practices.
MAJAN further called on all relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders to support the smooth transition and operationalization of the new regulatory regime, in line with the Federal Government’s economic growth and blue economy agenda.
Background to the Law: Since the 2006 port concessions, the NSC had performed economic regulatory functions on an interim basis, relying on government policy and a 2015 gazette, rather than a comprehensive Act of Parliament.
Under the new arrangement: NPERA will handle economic regulation — tariffs, charges, competition, licensing of service providers, and commercial dispute resolution.
NPA will retain its role as landlord and technical/operational regulator.
MAJAN advised that the functions of the port economic regulator be clearly delineated to avoid overlap with other agencies, particularly the NPA.
*Anticipated Benefits of the NPERA Act*
. *Strong legal and enforceable regulatory framework*
. *Better control and transparency of tariffs, rates, and charges*
. *Promotion of fair competition and service standards*
. *Licensing and regulation of port service providers*
. *Effective commercial dispute resolution mechanism*
. *Increased investor confidence and predictability*
. *Efficiency gains and reduction in logistics costs*
. *Protection of shippers and cargo owners*
. *Positioning Nigeria as a leading regional maritime and logistics hub*
MAJAN concluded that the NPERA Act safeguards the economic interests of port users and lays the foundation for a more credible, competitive, and investment-friendly port system.
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