By Our Maritime Correspondent
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 improving transparency, efficiency and competitiveness in the nation’s maritime sector.
The association also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the reform, which it said would strengthen Nigeria’s port governance framework by separating regulatory responsibilities from port operations.
National President of NAGAFF, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, said the creation of NPERA would help address longstanding concerns around the administration and regulation of port activities.
Ezisi said the separation of functions between the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), which would focus principally on infrastructure and service delivery, and NPERA, as an economic regulator, would promote greater accountability and efficiency in port operations.
“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, freight forwarders and traders are among the major beneficiaries expected to emerge from the reform, particularly through more transparent tariff structures, improved competition 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 subjected to stronger regulatory oversight.
The NAGAFF president further said the reform would enable the NPA to concentrate on its core responsibilities, particularly the development and maintenance of port infrastructure and improvement of service delivery.
For traders and consumers, the association expressed optimism that improved regulation would eventually contribute to lower logistics costs and more efficient cargo clearance.
NAGAFF said the establishment of NPERA also represents an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its maritime regulatory framework in line with international standards and practices.
The association, however, called on the Federal Government to provide the new agency with the necessary institutional and operational support to enable it to discharge its mandate effectively.
“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 urged stakeholders across the maritime industry to embrace the reform in the collective interest of Nigeria’s trade, investment and economic growth.
