NPERA Targets Multiple Port Charges to Ease Trade Costs in Nigeria

NPERA Targets Multiple Port Charges to Ease Trade Costs in Nigeria

Funke Akinbobola

The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports through the harmonisation of charges and stronger regulation of service providers.

The agency disclosed this during a sensitisation programme at the Abuja International Trade Fair, where it highlighted the impact of multiple port charges on importers, exporters and the country’s maritime competitiveness.

Speaking at the event, the Head of NPERA’s Abuja Liaison Office, Dr Pauline Osasona, explained that overlapping charges imposed by different government agencies and port service providers had contributed significantly to the high cost of importing and exporting goods in Nigeria.

According to her, businesses often face several payments for similar services, increasing operational expenses and making Nigerian ports less attractive to traders.

Osasona noted that the high cost of port operations had encouraged some importers and exporters to consider alternative ports in neighbouring African countries, where charges are comparatively lower.

She cited the difference in port-related expenses between Nigeria and other regional destinations, explaining that the situation places Nigerian ports at a competitive disadvantage and could contribute to revenue losses for the country.

She said NPERA’s regulatory mandate includes reviewing and harmonising port charges, eliminating unnecessary fees and ensuring that service providers operate within approved regulatory standards.

The agency aims to make port operations more transparent, affordable and efficient while improving Nigeria’s position in regional and international trade.

Osasona added that excessive charges affect not only traders but also the wider economy, as increased importation and exportation costs can place additional pressure on businesses and consumers.

She emphasised that NPERA would work to ensure that charges imposed by port service providers are properly regulated and subject to the agency’s oversight and approval.

The establishment of NPERA followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, which transformed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council into the new economic regulatory agency.

The development represents a significant change in the regulation of Nigeria’s port industry, with the agency expected to strengthen oversight, promote fair competition and support a more efficient maritime business environment.

Through its regulatory interventions, NPERA seeks to address longstanding concerns about port costs and improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.