NAGAFF Welcomes Establishment of Nigeria Ports Economic Regulator Agency (NPERA)

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has congratulated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the establishment of the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulator Agency (NPERA). The association noted that this landmark reform, driven by the resilience of the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers Council, marks a decisive step toward strengthening Nigeria’s maritime governance framework.

Speaking on behalf of NAGAFF, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, stated:

“The creation of NPERA is a transformative milestone that will rebalance Nigeria’s port governance. By separating operational functions under the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) from regulatory oversight under NPERA, the government has ensured transparency, fairness, and efficiency in port operations. Freight forwarders and traders stand to benefit most from this reform, while terminal operators and NPA must adapt to reduced autonomy.”

The association hghlighted key benefits of the reform to include t ransparent tariff structures, improved competitiveness, and fair dispute resolution,
predictable tariff regimes and reduced monopolistic practices, and clearer concession guidelines with stricter monitoring.

Other benefits are that focus of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
will be shifted to infrastructure and service delivery, being relieved of dual responsibilities.

The reform tends to strengthen governance framework aligned with global maritime standards, and anticipated reduction in logistics costs and faster cargo clearance.

NAGAFF reaffirms its commitment 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. The association calls on the government to provide the necessary support and urges all operators to embrace this change in the collective interest of Nigeria’s trade and economic growth.