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 strengthening Nigeria’s port governance and improving efficiency in the maritime sector.
The association also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the reform, which it said would help address longstanding concerns around transparency, regulation and competitiveness in port operations.
Speaking on behalf of NAGAFF, its National President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, said the creation of NPERA would help rebalance the country’s port governance structure by separating the operational responsibilities of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from economic regulatory functions.
Ezisi said the separation would promote greater transparency, fairness and efficiency in port operations, adding that freight forwarders and traders were among those expected to benefit significantly from the reform.
“The creation of NPERA is a transformative milestone that will rebalance Nigeria’s port governance. By separating operational functions under the Nigeria Ports Authority from regulatory oversight under NPERA, the government has ensured transparency, fairness, and efficiency in port operations,” he said.
According to him, the new regulatory framework is expected to provide freight forwarders with more transparent tariff structures, improved competitiveness and fairer mechanisms for resolving disputes.
He added that shipping lines could benefit from a more predictable tariff regime and reduced monopolistic practices, while terminal operators would have clearer concession guidelines but would also be subject to stricter regulatory monitoring.
Ezisi noted that the reform would allow the NPA to concentrate more effectively on infrastructure development and service delivery, having been relieved of its dual role as both an operator and regulator.
He further said the establishment of NPERA would strengthen Nigeria’s port governance framework and bring it closer to global maritime standards.
For consumers and traders, NAGAFF said the reform could contribute to lower logistics costs and more efficient cargo clearance, provided the new regulatory structure is effectively implemented.
The association urged the Federal Government to provide NPERA with the necessary institutional support to enable it to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
NAGAFF also called on all stakeholders in the maritime sector to embrace the reform and work collaboratively to ensure that the new regulatory framework delivers improved efficiency and competitiveness.
“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,” Ezisi said.
He stressed that the success of the reform would ultimately depend on effective implementation and cooperation among government agencies, terminal operators, shipping lines, freight forwarders and other industry stakeholders.
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