NPERA, NPA Deepen Collaboration on Inland Dry Port Regulatory Transition

…As Agencies move to clarify mandates, eliminate duplication and strengthen Nigeria’s trade and logistics network

By Stella Okocha 

The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have commenced technical discussions on the transfer of inland dry port-related functions to NPERA, marking a significant step towards the implementation of Nigeria’s new port economic regulatory framework.

The engagement is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition, clearly defining the responsibilities of relevant government agencies and eliminating potential duplication of functions as the Federal Government advances reforms in the maritime and logistics sectors.

Speaking during the meeting between the management teams of both agencies, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr. Akutah Pius, said the directive of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, should be seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

Akutah stressed that the transition would require the collective commitment of all relevant stakeholders, noting that NPERA could not successfully undertake the process in isolation.

He said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would remain central to the transition, while the mandates and responsibilities of the various agencies would be appropriately aligned to facilitate effective integration.

According to him, the Minister’s intervention while the NPERA Bill was still before the National Assembly helped to resolve areas of disagreement among government agencies and provided a foundation for stronger inter-agency collaboration.

Akutah emphasised that cooperation and institutional clarity would be critical to the success of the transition.

He explained that the meeting was convened to formally commence the process of transferring the relevant inland dry port functions to NPERA, consistent with the agency’s mandate as an economic regulator.

He also highlighted the need to fully operationalise relevant provisions of the NPERA Act, including Section 51, to provide a clear framework for the transition and ensure that the responsibilities of the various stakeholders are properly coordinated.

As part of the proposed framework, the NPERA boss called for the establishment of a joint transition committee comprising NPERA, NPA, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The committee, he said, would provide a structured platform for coordinating the transition, resolving technical issues and ensuring that the process is implemented without disrupting existing operations.

Akutah further underscored the strategic importance of inland dry ports to Nigeria’s economic development, noting that they provide an important link between the maritime sector and the country’s hinterland.

He said efficient inland dry ports would help extend the benefits of maritime trade beyond coastal locations while strengthening Nigeria’s trade, transport and logistics network.

Responding, the Managing Director of the 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.

Dantsoho said the process had commenced with the right intention and purpose, adding that the NPA would provide updated information on the current status of inland dry ports to support the ongoing technical deliberations.

He expressed optimism that continued engagement between the agencies would help achieve the objectives of the transition and contribute to the further development of Nigeria’s inland dry port system.

Also speaking, 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 seamless integration of responsibilities.

Badmus said the agencies had now entered the technical phase of the transition, with particular attention being paid to clearly defining mandates and avoiding duplication of functions.

In his closing remarks, Akutah said the proposed joint committee would reconvene with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to obtain further clarification on the transition and agree on the next steps required for its smooth and effective implementation.

The engagement signals a growing effort among key maritime institutions to strengthen regulatory coordination, improve institutional efficiency and position inland dry ports as an integral part of Nigeria’s evolving maritime and trade infrastructure.