NAGAFF Hails Creation of NPERA, Says Reform Will Transform Nigeria’s Port Governance
By Ajibola Adedoye
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has welcomed the establishment of the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulator Agency (NPERA), describing the development as a major step towards transforming Nigeria’s port governance and creating a more transparent, competitive and efficient maritime sector.
In a statement signed by its National President, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, NAGAFF congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the creation of the agency, describing the initiative as a landmark reform capable of strengthening Nigeria’s maritime regulatory framework.
The association also commended the resilience and efforts of the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, noting that the emergence of NPERA represents an important milestone in the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s port sector.
According to High Chief Ezisi, the new agency would help address longstanding regulatory overlaps by clearly separating the operational responsibilities of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from economic regulation.
He said the clearer division of responsibilities would promote accountability and create a more balanced governance structure across Nigeria’s ports.
“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,” Ezisi said.
Benefits for Freight Forwarders and Traders
High Chief Ezisi said freight forwarders and traders stand to benefit significantly from the reform through greater transparency in tariff administration, improved competition and more effective mechanisms for resolving disputes.
He added that shipping lines could benefit from greater predictability in tariff arrangements and reduced monopolistic practices, while terminal operators would have clearer concession guidelines and stronger regulatory oversight.
The NAGAFF president further noted that the separation of operational and regulatory functions would allow the NPA to focus more effectively on its core mandate, particularly the development of port infrastructure and improvement of service delivery.
He expressed optimism that NPERA would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime governance architecture and bring the country’s port regulatory system closer to international best practices.
Reform Expected to Improve Cargo Clearance
The association also expressed optimism that the reform could contribute to lower logistics costs and faster cargo clearance, with positive implications for traders, consumers and other users of port services.
According to NAGAFF, a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment would help improve confidence among stakeholders while creating conditions for increased efficiency and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Ezisi assured that NAGAFF would collaborate with NPERA, the NPA and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the new regulatory framework achieves its intended objectives.
“NAGAFF stands ready 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.
“We urge the government to provide the necessary support and call on all operators to embrace this change in the collective interest of Nigeria’s trade and economic growth,” he stated.
The association said the successful implementation of the reform would be critical to ensuring that Nigeria’s ports operate with greater efficiency, transparency and accountability, while strengthening the country’s position as a competitive maritime and trade hub.
