NAGAFF HAILS NPERA, SEEKS TRANSPARENCY, EFFICIENCY IN PORT OPERATIONS
NAGAFF Hails NPERA, Seeks Transparency, Efficiency in Port Operations
By Babatunde Aremu
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 landmark reform capable of transforming Nigeria’s port governance and improving the ease of doing business.
NAGAFF also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the initiative, which it said would strengthen the country’s maritime regulatory framework and promote greater transparency, fairness and efficiency in port operations.
Speaking on behalf of the association, its National President, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, said the establishment of NPERA would help address longstanding concerns over the structure and administration of Nigeria’s ports.
According to him, separating operational responsibilities under the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) from economic regulatory functions under NPERA would create a clearer governance structure and enhance accountability within the maritime sector.
«“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,” Ezisi said.»
He noted that freight forwarders and traders were among the major beneficiaries expected to emerge from the reform, particularly through more transparent tariff structures, improved competition and fairer mechanisms for resolving disputes.
NAGAFF also said shipping lines could benefit from greater predictability in tariff regimes and reduced monopolistic tendencies, while terminal operators would have clearer concession guidelines alongside increased regulatory oversight.
For the NPA, the association said the new structure would enable it to concentrate more effectively on port infrastructure development and service delivery without the burden of dual operational and regulatory responsibilities.
The association further expressed optimism that the reform would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime governance in line with international standards and ultimately contribute to lower logistics costs, faster cargo clearance and a more competitive trading environment.
Ezisi urged the Federal Government to provide NPERA with the necessary institutional and operational support to enable it to effectively discharge its mandate.
“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,” he said.
He also called on stakeholders across the maritime industry to embrace the reform in the collective interest of Nigeria’s trade, investment and economic development.
