The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) have initiated a collaboration to eliminate regulatory overlaps and jurisdictional conflicts in the management of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) across Nigeria. This move follows a high-level meeting between the management of the NPA and the executive leadership of NPERA at the NPA Corporate Headquarters in Lagos. The meeting aimed to ensure a seamless transition in the regulation and management of IDPs.
The collaboration was prompted by recent regulatory reforms in the maritime sector and the need to clarify the responsibilities of agencies operating under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, had directed the transfer of Inland Dry Ports regulatory functions from NPERA on September 3, 2026, citing the need for a clearer separation of responsibilities covering port regulation, development, and operations.
The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rebranded and expanded the mandate of the former Nigerian Shippers’ Council. The NPA's Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, congratulated the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr. Pius Akutah, on the enactment of the legislation. Dantsoho reaffirmed NPA's commitment to supporting NPERA in its new institutional role.
Dr. Dantsoho emphasized the importance of effective coordination among agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. He stated that the transition offered an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria's logistics system and improve the movement of cargo from seaports to the hinterland. The NPA and NPERA aim to eliminate operational friction, improve port efficiency, and unlock the economic potential of trade across the country.
Dr. Akutah highlighted the strategic role of NPA in the development and long-term sustainability of Inland Dry Ports. He described effective IDPs as important catalysts for regional trade and the extension of maritime logistics into Nigeria's hinterland. Akutah proposed the establishment of a Joint Inter-Agency Committee to prevent jurisdictional conflicts and duplication of responsibilities.
The proposed committee would comprise representatives of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NPA, NPERA, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). The committee would identify and resolve potential operational conflicts, streamline administrative procedures, and eliminate duplication of responsibilities in Inland Dry Port operations nationwide.
The collaboration between NPA and NPERA is expected to provide clearer institutional coordination as Nigeria seeks to expand the role of Inland Dry Ports in cargo evacuation, distribution, and trade facilitation beyond seaports. The two chief executives reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Minister's policy directives and aligning their institutional frameworks to promote trade facilitation, sustainable economic growth, and greater efficiency in Nigeria's port and logistics system.
Key points
- The Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency are working together to eliminate regulatory overlaps in Inland Dry Port management.
- The collaboration aims to strengthen Nigeria's logistics system and improve the movement of cargo from seaports to the hinterland.
- A Joint Inter-Agency Committee will be established to prevent jurisdictional conflicts and duplication of responsibilities in Inland Dry Port operations.
