President Bola Tinubu has formally signed the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Act of 2026 into law. This action creates a permanent economic oversight body for the national port industry. The news was shared by Dr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, who publicly thanked the President for finalizing the legislation.
For over a decade, the Nigerian Shippers Council has operated as a temporary regulator based on executive orders rather than specific law. This new legislation grants the agency definitive legal authority to manage port tariffs, service charges, market competition, and commercial dispute resolution. The shift aims to replace the previous interim regulatory model with a more stable, statutory framework.
The path to this law included significant legislative debate. Previous versions faced criticism regarding potential overlaps with the functions of the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. In response, the National Assembly revised the bill to resolve these conflicts before President Tinubu granted his approval. Stakeholders now expect the new agency to improve sector efficiency, foster competition, and attract further maritime investment.
