Odita Sunday 
NPERA: NAGAFF Applauds Tinubu, Says Port Reform Will Boost Trade, Cut Costs
By Odita Sunday
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the establishment of the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulator Agency (NPERA), describing the development as a landmark reform capable of strengthening Nigeria’s maritime governance.
NAGAFF said the establishment of NPERA, championed through the resilience of the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers Council, represents a decisive step towards improving transparency, fairness and efficiency in the nation’s port operations.
Speaking on behalf of the association, its National President, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, said the new regulatory framework would help address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s maritime sector by separating port operations from regulatory oversight.
According to Ezisi, the separation of functions between the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), which will focus on port operations and infrastructure, and NPERA, which will oversee economic regulation, will promote greater accountability and efficiency.
“The creation of NPERA is a transformative milestone that will rebalance Nigeria’s port governance.
“By separating operational functions under the Nigeria Ports Authority from regulatory oversight under NPERA, the government has ensured transparency, fairness and efficiency in port operations.
“Freight forwarders and traders stand to benefit most from this reform, while terminal operators and NPA must adapt to reduced autonomy,” he said.
NAGAFF identified several expected benefits of the reform, including more transparent tariff structures, improved competitiveness and fairer dispute resolution mechanisms for freight forwarders.
The association also said shipping lines would benefit from predictable tariff regimes and reduced monopolistic practices, while terminal operators would have clearer concession guidelines alongside stricter regulatory monitoring.
It added that the NPA would be relieved of its previous dual responsibilities, enabling the authority to concentrate more effectively on infrastructure development and service delivery.
For government and policymakers, NAGAFF said the reform would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime governance framework and bring it closer to global standards.
The association further expressed optimism that consumers and traders would ultimately benefit from lower logistics costs and improved cargo clearance efficiency.
NAGAFF said it was ready to collaborate with NPERA, NPA and other stakeholders to ensure that the reform achieves its objectives and contributes to a more competitive and transparent maritime sector.
“NAGAFF stands ready to collaborate with NPERA, NPA and all stakeholders to ensure that this reform delivers on its promise of a more competitive, transparent and globally aligned maritime sector.
“We urge the government to provide the necessary support and call on all operators to embrace this change in the collective interest of Nigeria’s trade and economic growth,” Ezisi said.
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