MARITIME stakeholders have urged the Nigerian government to expedite the passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, warning that delays could jeopardize port efficiency and competitiveness.
The bill aims to eliminate ambiguities in tariff setting, reduce commercial disputes, and enhance logistics costs. While currently awaiting presidential assent, stakeholders emphasize its importance for aligning Nigeria’s port governance with international standards, promoting fair competition, and attracting investment.
Experts warn that without the bill, shippers may face significant challenges due to a lack of regulatory oversight, risking Nigeria’s strategic position in West and Central Africa’s maritime sector.
Head of Research, Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC), Eugene Nweke, noted that, “at a time when neighbouring maritime nations are strengthening regulatory institutions to attract cargo traffic and investment, Nigeria must avoid policy inertia that could undermine its strategic position as the maritime gateway to West and Central Africa.”
On his part, President, Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS), Nicodemus Odolo, said Nigerian ports critically require a regulatory authority to protect shippers and other port users.