By Cynthia Alo & Efe Onodjae
The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, NPERA, has warned that corporations found in breach of its port regulations and operational standards will now face fines of up to N20 million, as it moves to enforce stricter compliance and boost efficiency in support of Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target.
The Director-General of NPERA, Dr Pius Akutah, who disclosed this Tuesday, when journalists paid him a courtesy visit, also stated that the powers vested in the agency by the NPERA Act 2026 will help sanitise the nation’s ports, protect investments and promote efficiency in the maritime sector.
Akutah said the new regulatory framework provides for a minimum penalty of N500,000 for an individual first offender, with the amount rising for repeat infractions.
He said the penalty for a company could also be multiplied where the firm continued to violate the law.
He explained that the stronger sanctions mark a shift from the era of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, when the agency lacked the legal backing to enforce compliance.
According to him, the goal of the new law was not to disrupt port operations but to build a regulatory system that encourages voluntary compliance.
“In the past, there was no such potency in our law, so we couldn’t enforce anything because the penalties were too insignificant to deter any infraction. The idea is not to upset the system and make it chaotic or abnormal but rather to create a deterrent regime through the provisions of the law. With the fear of the consequences, they will play by the rules naturally,” he said.
He said, “Now, there will be a level playing field for everybody, meaning that the law is not targeting a service user or a service provider, but it’s going to be an arbiter, very impartial, sitting in the midst of all players and ensuring that everybody plays by the rules.”
The NPERA boss said the framework would also enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports by promoting excellence among port users and enabling the facilities to compete favourably with ports in other countries.
On tariffs, he said NPERA would be responsible for adjustments and enforcement measures designed to protect the economy and investments in the maritime sector.
He explained that the legislation also established a deterrent regime against activities capable of undermining reforms in the industry.
Akutah said the enforcement of the law should not be perceived as an attempt to intimidate operators, but as a measure to discourage infractions and promote compliance.
He added that the agency would generate revenue, while fines would be imposed for breaches, with some infractions potentially attracting criminal prosecution under the law.
He said the effectiveness of the regulatory framework would depend on the firm and fair application of its provisions.
“The law is not respectful of persons. It will be applied in a very firm but effective manner that it will achieve the purpose for which it is made,” he stated.
Akutah also disclosed that NPERA would strengthen its dispute resolution mechanism to reduce the time and cost associated with maritime disagreements.
He said alternative dispute resolution methods would be explored to prevent prolonged disputes from hampering trade facilitation.
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