The Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have commenced talks on the transfer of inland dry port-related functions. This move aims to ensure a seamless implementation of the new regulatory framework and promote the growth of Nigeria's marine and blue economy. The meeting between the management of both agencies focused on the technical aspects of the transition.
The Director-General/CEO of NPERA, Dr. Pius Akutah, emphasized that the directive of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, is aimed at advancing the nation's marine and blue economy. He stressed that the transition requires cooperation from all relevant stakeholders and that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would remain at the center of the transition process.
Dr. Akutah noted that the Minister's intervention, while the NPERA Bill was still before the National Assembly, helped resolve disagreements among agencies and created a foundation for greater inter-agency collaboration. He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving a successful transition and proposed the establishment of a joint committee to coordinate the transition process.
The proposed joint committee would comprise NPERA, NPA, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Dr. Akutah noted that inland dry ports are critical to extending the benefits of the maritime sector to Nigeria's hinterland and strengthening the country's trade and logistics network.
The Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the initiative as a welcome development and assured NPERA of the Authority's operational and technical support throughout the transition process. He expressed optimism that further engagements would lead to the realization of the objectives of the transition and strengthen the development of inland dry ports.
The Executive Director of the NPA, Engr. Lekan Badmus, commended NPERA for initiating the collaboration, describing the meeting as an important step towards achieving a smooth integration. He said the agencies had now entered the technical phase of the transition, with particular attention being given to avoiding duplication of functions.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to reconvene with the Minister to obtain further clarification on the transition and agree on the necessary steps to ensure a smooth implementation. The transfer of inland dry port functions is expected to promote the growth of Nigeria's marine and blue economy and strengthen the country's trade and logistics network.
Key points
- NPERA and NPA start talks on transferring inland dry port functions to ensure seamless implementation of the new regulatory framework.
- The transition aims to promote the growth of Nigeria's marine and blue economy and strengthen the country's trade and logistics network.
- A joint committee will be established to coordinate the transition process.
