By George Omagbemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, 2026, granting the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) full statutory backing to strengthen its role in regulating economic activities within Nigeria’s port sector.
The development marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve efficiency, transparency and competitiveness across the nation’s maritime industry.
With the new legal framework, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is expected to have clearer authority in regulating port-related economic activities, protecting stakeholders’ interests and promoting fair competition among operators.
The legislation is also expected to address longstanding concerns over excessive charges, inefficient processes and regulatory overlaps that have affected businesses and increased the cost of moving goods through Nigerian ports.
For importers, exporters, shipping companies and other maritime stakeholders, the law could provide a more predictable regulatory environment while strengthening accountability within the port system.
The signing is therefore being viewed as an important milestone in ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s ports as more efficient and competitive gateways for international trade.
The effectiveness of the new law, however, will depend largely on proper implementation, effective enforcement and cooperation among relevant government agencies and private-sector operators.
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