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From Shippers’ Council to NPERA: Akutah Outlines Mandate for Maritime Sector Reform
By prince Benson Davies
Staff of the newly established Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency have been called upon to adopt higher standards of professionalism and service delivery as the agency begins full operations under its expanded legal framework.
The charge was given by the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, during an inaugural town hall meeting with management and staff at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos last week. The engagement was the first major internal meeting since the transition from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to NPERA.
Dr. Akutah said the enactment of the NPERA Act 2026 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a turning point for port administration in Nigeria. He explained that the law provides the agency with clearer powers to regulate economic activities at the ports, enforce service standards, and ensure fair pricing across the maritime value chain.
According to him, the new mandate directly aligns with the federal government’s target of building a $1 trillion economy. He noted that an efficient and predictable port environment is critical to achieving that goal, and NPERA will play a central role by removing bottlenecks, curbing sharp practices, and improving Nigeria’s standing in regional and global trade.
“The NPERA Act has given us the legal backing to institute effective economic regulation at our ports. Our focus now is to drive transparency, efficiency and competitiveness so that port users and investors can operate in a more business-friendly environment,” he told staff.
The DG described the legislation as the long-awaited framework needed to reposition the agency. He commended President Tinubu for signing the bill into law and acknowledged the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for providing strategic leadership that helped build consensus among stakeholders. He also appreciated the National Assembly for the thorough legislative process that led to the passage of the Act.
Dr. Akutah further clarified that the new law does not create duplication or conflict with other maritime institutions. Instead, it defines NPERA’s specific role as the economic regulator of port operations. He assured that the agency will work closely with the Nigerian Ports Authority and other sister agencies to deepen ongoing reforms and improve service delivery.
He outlined the core responsibilities of the agency under the new Act to include tariff regulation, monitoring of service standards, promotion of fair competition, trade facilitation, and resolution of commercial disputes within the ports industry.
The DG urged staff to embrace the change in orientation required by the new status, stressing that commitment, integrity and competence will determine how well the agency delivers on its mandate. He said management is committed to equipping personnel with the tools and training needed to succeed in the expanded role.
“NPERA exists to promote a healthy port sector that supports economic growth. With dedication from staff and collaboration with stakeholders, we can help build the kind of port system that Nigeria deserves,” he concluded.
The meeting ended with management reaffirming its commitment to stakeholder engagement and to ensuring that the agency’s operations reflect the expectations of the new law.
