Tinubu assents Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Bill

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially signed the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill 2026 into law, marking a significant step toward establishing a dedicated economic regulator for the nation's port sector. The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, announced the assent on Facebook, expressing gratitude to the President for realizing this long-awaited legislation.

The NPERA Act is poised to strengthen the legal foundation for regulating economic activities within Nigeria's ports. This includes oversight of tariffs, rates, charges, and competition, as well as the licensing of port service providers and the resolution of commercial disputes. The bill has been a subject of discussion for years, with previous versions facing concerns about potential overlaps in functions with existing agencies like the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Following amendments to address these concerns and procedural issues, the Senate passed the revised bill in April 2026. The Nigerian Shippers’ Council had been serving as the interim economic regulator since 2014, operating primarily on government policy and regulations due to the absence of a specific Act. The new legislation is expected to provide the Council, or the newly established agency, with enhanced authority and a clearer mandate to oversee the port industry.

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Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026. Thank you Mr. President for making it a reality.