Nigeria Establishes New Ports Regulatory Agency

The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Act 2026 was officially unveiled by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, on October 17, 2026. This marks the transition from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council under the new regulatory framework.

Oyetola directed the formation of a ministerial committee to oversee the transition, aiming to enhance port regulation, investor confidence, and maritime competitiveness. The committee will ensure independent, impartial, and transparent regulation.

The act was approved by President Bola Tinubu in June 2026, leading to the immediate establishment of NPERA. This move is part of broader efforts to modernize Nigeria’s maritime sector and improve its economic performance.