NPERA Transition Expected to Curb Port Charges, Delays, Lower Cost of Doing Business
By, Kamaluddeen Nuhu Ilelah
Transition from Nigerian Shippers’ Council to Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, NPERA, is expected to strengthen regulation of Nigeria’s port sector and address challenges associated with excessive charges, delays and high cost of doing business.
Zonal Director, North-East of NPERA, Mr. Nambol Emmanuel Nanle, stated this in an interview, explaining that the transition has given the agency stronger legal backing to regulate port activities and protect businesses from excessive charges.
Mr. Nanle said NPERA has statutory powers to regulate rates, tariffs and charges, set operational standards, license operators and resolve disputes among stakeholders within the port system.
He explained that Nigerian Shippers’ Council was established in 1978, primarily to protect interests of shippers, later assumed the role of interim port economic regulator in 2014 following the concessioning of Nigerian ports to private terminal operators.
According to him, while the concessioning improved efficiency through introduction of infrastructure and modern cargo-handling equipment, it also brought additional costs to businesses due to absence of a strong regulatory framework.
The Zonal Director said Shippers’ Council had for years advocated legislation to give it full regulatory powers, leading to the establishment of NPERA through an Act of Parliament in August 2026.
Mr. Nanle explained that effective economic regulation of ports involves ensuring fair trade practices, regulating tariffs and charges, setting operational standards and resolving disputes among port operators as well other stakeholders.
He said stronger regulation would help facilitate faster movement of cargo, reduce unnecessary delays and lower overall cost of clearing and transporting goods, explaining that activities at ports have implications for Nigerians across the country, including those living far from the coastal areas, because the efficiency and cost of import and export activities can ultimately affect prices and availability of goods in the markets.
The Zonal Director described the relationship between NPERA and Shippers’ Associations as one of partnership, noting that the associations assist businesses with cargo consolidation, information sharing, networking and access to financing opportunities, assuring shippers in Bauchi and the wider North-East that NPERA was now better positioned to serve them under its new legal mandate.
On his part, the Bauchi State Chairman, Nigeria Shippers Association, Mr. Munir Umar, a retired Port Manager, welcomed the transition, describing it as an initiative capable of strengthening port regulation and supporting businesses involved in import and export.
Mr. Umar advised NPERA Governing Board to put all hands on deck to strengthen the new regulatory system and ensure that the objectives of the agency are effectively achieved.
He also called on members of the public, particularly those interested in starting import or export businesses, to approach the agency whenever they require information, guidance or support on the processes involved.
The Shippers Association Chairman urged prospective importers and exporters not to be discourage by lack of knowledge of the procedures, but to seek the necessary guidance from the agency before venturing into the business.