President Bola Tinubu has assented to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill 2026, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated economic regulator for Nigeria’s port sector.

The development was disclosed by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah, who expressed appreciation to the President for giving his assent to the legislation.

“Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026. Thank you Mr. President for making it a reality,” Akutah stated in a post on his Facebook page.

The new law marks a significant milestone in efforts to establish a statutory framework for economic regulation in Nigeria’s maritime industry, following years of legislative attempts to create a dedicated port regulator.

The Federal Government had in 2014 designated the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the interim economic regulator of the nation’s ports pending the enactment of a substantive law.

However, the absence of a dedicated legislation meant that the Council carried out its economic regulatory responsibilities largely under government policies and regulations rather than a comprehensive statutory framework.

The NPERA Act is expected to provide stronger legal backing for the regulation of economic activities within the port sector. Its responsibilities are expected to cover tariffs, rates and charges, competition, licensing of port service providers and the resolution of commercial disputes.

Akutah had previously described the proposed regulatory framework as a major step towards creating a more structured, efficient and competitive port system, with enforceable legal powers for the economic regulator.

The legislation has faced several challenges during its passage, including concerns among maritime stakeholders and agencies over possible duplication of functions.

In particular, questions were raised about the delineation of responsibilities between the proposed NPERA, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The Bill was initially passed by the National Assembly and transmitted to the Presidency, but President Tinubu withheld assent after concerns were raised over some provisions.

The National Assembly subsequently reviewed the legislation, addressed identified issues and passed an amended version in April 2026.

The Senate’s fresh passage followed the rescission of its earlier decision on the Bill after a review identified legal and procedural issues requiring correction.

With the President’s assent, attention will now shift to the implementation of the new Act and the transition from the existing interim regulatory arrangement to the statutory NPERA regime.

The development is expected to have significant implications for terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other stakeholders in the Nigerian port industry.

Key issues likely to attract attention include the regulation of tariffs and charges, competition among port service providers, licensing and the resolution of commercial disputes.

The immediate next steps are expected to include clarification of the Act’s commencement date, the transition arrangements involving the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the structure of the new agency and the specific powers and functions that will become operational.

The establishment of NPERA is ultimately expected to strengthen economic regulation at Nigeria’s ports, improve transparency and competition, and create a more predictable environment for investment in the maritime sector.