NPERA Act to Strengthen Investors Confidence, Drive Maritime Sector Growth –MAJAN Applauds Akutah

NPERA Act to Strengthen Investors Confidence, Drive Maritime Sector Growth –MAJAN Applauds Akutah.

By Joe Njoku,, Global Freight News.

The Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria MAJAN has described the newly signed Nigeria Ports Economic Agenda Regulatory Agency (NPERA), act, 2026 as a game changer that I will significantly boost investors confidence and set the nation’s ports on the path of increased productivity, transparency and competitiveness.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, MAJAN noted that the presidential assent to the long awaited legislation marks a decisive end to years of regulatory
uncertainty that had hindered optimal performance in the port sector.

According to the statement by it Public Relation Officer (PRO) Comrade FRANK Odinukaeze, the organization described the Act as a crucial institutional reform that has finally provide a dedicated statutory framework for economic regulation of Nigeria,’s ports, replacing the interim arrangements under which the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) had operated since 2014.

According to him, “This is a landmark development for Nigeria Maritime Sector. The Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency NPERA Act will strengthen oversight of tariffs, rates, charges, competition and service standard. It will give the regulator clear legal powers to protect shippers, ensure fair commercial practices and resolve disputes effectively. These are the foundations needed to attract serious investment, reduce cost of doing business and improve overall port productivity,” he said.

The association specifically applaud the Executive Secretary and chief executive officer of the council, Dr Pius Akutah for his sustained commitment and leadership at ensuring that the law become a a reality.

The Association acknowledged Dr Akutah’ s consistent advocacy, stakeholders engagement, and determination in navigating the complex legislative process that saw the Bill undergo revision, repassage by National Assembly and eventual Presidential assent.

“Dr Akutah’s dedication to institutional reform and his unwavering commitment to the regulatory framework Nigeria Ports deserves recognition,”” the statement added.
” His efforts have helped to bring to fruition a reform that stakeholders across board have long yearned for.”

MAJAN expressed optimism that the full and timely implementation of the NPERA Act will translate into measurable improvement in the port efficiency, greater predictability for investors and operators, stronger alignment of Nigeria’s seaports system with Global best practices.

The association called on all relevant agencies and stakeholders to support the smooth transition and operationalization of the new regulatory regime in the interest of national economic prosperity and the blue economic Agenda.

The law gives full legal powers to the functions previously performed on an interim basis by the council since 2014 after the 2006 port concessions began. The NSC had relied largely on government policy and a 2015 gazette rather than a comprehensive Act.

NPERA focuses on economic regulation, tariffs, charges, competition, licensing of service providers, and commercial dispute resolutions, the NPA continues as the landlord and technical/ operational regulator.

MAJAN suggested that the role of the port port economic regulator should be streamlined to avoid overlapping functions with other agencies especially the NPA.

Expected key benefits of NPERA include stronger, enforceable regulatory framework, better control of tariffs, rates, and charges, promotion of fair competition, licensing and standards for service providers, effective commercial dispute resolutions, greater transparency, predictability,and investors confidence among others.

Also, it is expected to safeguard the economic interest of shippers and cargo owners while contributing to a more credible, competitive port environment that can position Nigeria as a stronger regional maritime and logistics hub.