New Port Regulatory Law Will Transform Maritime Sector Says Shippers Council Boss

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council says a new regulatory agency will reshape the maritime sector if approved.

Dr. Pius Akutah believes the bill’s assent will drive automation, jobs, and investor confidence.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, has reiterated that the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, currently awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s assent, will significantly boost the growth and development of the country’s maritime industry once signed into law.

Dr. Akutah made the remark in Abuja over the weekend after receiving an award from the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). He said the proposed law, once enacted, will empower the new agency to establish robust regulatory structures that would drive efficiency and transformation in the port sector.

“With the passage of this Bill, we can start laying the foundation for comprehensive regulations in the maritime space. In five years, the Agency would be well-established, regulatory frameworks would be fully operational, and we would witness a revitalized port industry,” Akutah stated.

He added that the sector would experience significant job creation and technological advancements, noting that full automation of port operations would be achieved through effective regulation.

Akutah also praised President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a step in the right direction for unlocking the full potential of the port economy.

“I want to sincerely thank Mr. President for his foresight in setting up the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. This shows a clear commitment to harnessing the economic opportunities within the maritime sector,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his support and for appointing him to lead the council. “His trust and backing have been instrumental in our efforts to reposition the sector through sound regulatory practices,” Akutah noted.

Reflecting on past challenges, the NSC boss pointed out that the council had long struggled with the limitations of its legal framework, particularly the need for a formal law to legitimize and empower its regulatory functions.

He explained that the role of the port economic regulator was initially conferred on the council by presidential directive, which lacked the legal depth required for long-term operational effectiveness.

“The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Bill has now been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and is currently with the President. We are hopeful that, once signed, the law will provide the legal backbone needed to protect investments and strengthen our regulatory capacity,” Akutah said.

He emphasized that with a solid legal foundation, the new agency would attract foreign direct investment and promote economic diversification, positioning the maritime and port sectors as major contributors to national development.