… says effective regulation will cut trade costs, boost investor confidence
The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparent port charges, fair competition and efficient service delivery as part of efforts to reduce the cost of doing business and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr. Pius Akutah, stated this in his goodwill message at the second Nigeria Transport Summit 2026, organised by JustAlive Communications Limited, publishers of JustNet News, in Lagos on Friday.
The summit, held at Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, had as its theme, “Navigating Global Disruptions and the Road Ahead: Mobility, Energy and Trade Facilitation for a Resilient Future.”
Akutah represented by the Deputy Director, Inland Transport Services Department, Mr. Obinna Ofurum, described the transport sector as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economic development, noting that its efficiency directly affects the cost of doing business, industrial competitiveness, investment attraction and the movement of goods and services.
He stressed the need for government, regulators and private-sector operators to work together towards building an integrated, competitive and sustainable transport system.
Regulatory Framework for Efficient Ports
According to him, effective port economic regulation is essential to ensuring reasonable charges, efficient service delivery, accountability and adequate protection for port users.
He said NPERA’s responsibilities extend beyond regulatory oversight to creating an enabling environment where port service providers can operate efficiently, investors can make informed decisions and importers, exporters, shipping companies and freight forwarders can conduct business with greater confidence.
The NPERA chief executive explained that the agency would continue to rely on stakeholder engagement, appropriate regulatory measures and evidence-based decision-making to reduce avoidable costs, promote fair competition and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a competitive maritime and trade destination.
He identified delays in cargo clearance, excessive or unpredictable charges, inadequate infrastructure and poor coordination among industry stakeholders as factors that increase logistics costs and undermine the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.
Akutah called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, port authorities, terminal operators, shipping companies, transport providers and other stakeholders to address these challenges.
He also emphasised the importance of transparent procedures, improved information sharing, effective complaint-resolution mechanisms and the responsible deployment of technology in port and transport operations.
Multimodal Transport Integration
On transport infrastructure, the NPERA director-general maintained that an efficient transport system could not be achieved through ports and roads alone, stressing the need for effective integration of road, rail and inland waterways to facilitate seamless cargo movement from seaports to inland markets and production centres.
He noted that supporting transport infrastructure could help decongest seaports, improve cargo evacuation and expand access to shipping services for businesses in the hinterland.
However, he cautioned that the benefits of such facilities would remain limited without adequate transport connections, coordinated operations, effective regulatory collaboration and strong commercial partnerships.
He identified bottlenecks affecting rail freight services, road transport costs, cargo documentation, shipping arrangements and the utilisation of inland transport infrastructure as areas requiring sustained attention.
Akutah said NPERA recognised the importance of working with relevant institutions to advance multimodal transport integration and extend the benefits of port economic regulation across the wider transport and logistics chain.
Calls for Stronger Industry Collaboration
The NPERA boss further observed that the challenges confronting Nigeria’s transport sector were interconnected and could not be resolved by any single institution.
He therefore urged government ministries and agencies, regulatory bodies, infrastructure providers, transport operators, investors and the business community to adopt a coordinated approach to sector development.
Describing the summit as an important platform for exchanging ideas and building partnerships, he encouraged participants to develop practical solutions to challenges affecting port operations, cargo evacuation, transport infrastructure, energy supply, logistics costs and trade facilitation.
He expressed the expectation that the deliberations would produce stronger institutional coordination, improved service delivery, increased investment and measurable improvements in transport sector performance.
The agency, he added, remained committed to initiatives that promote efficiency, protect the legitimate interests of port users and facilitate cargo movement through Nigerian ports.
Akutah also called for the adoption of innovation, digitalisation, environmental sustainability and international best practices, while ensuring that policies and regulatory interventions reflected Nigeria’s economic and operational realities.
He congratulated the organisers of the summit and expressed confidence that its outcomes would contribute to practical policies, stronger partnerships and lasting solutions for the country’s transport and logistics sector.
He reaffirmed NPERA’s commitment to constructive engagement with stakeholders in advancing a transparent, efficient, competitive and sustainable port and maritime environment in the national interest.