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​New Law Will End Arbitrary Shipping Charges, Enforce Compliance — NPERA Boss

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DG NPERA, Dr. Akutah
BY EGUONO ODJEGBA
​The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) has declared that the long-awaited transformation of the nation’s shipping sector is now achievable, following the passage of a powerful new establishing law designed to act as a strong deterrent against regulatory breaches.
​Speaking while receiving the newly elected executive members of the League of Maritime Editors (LOME) in his office, the Director-General of NPERA, Dr. Pius Akutah, asserted that it will no longer be “business as usual” for service providers or consumers who violate established maritime regulations.
​Dr. Akutah emphasized that the legislation grants the agency full statutory enforcement powers to curb arbitrary practices.
​“Any arbitrary increase that used to happen in the past is now an issue that we can legally enforce, taking actions that will involve the payment of fines,” he said.
​Contrasting the old framework with the new mandate, Akutah explained that under the former law, NPERA’s role was limited to negotiating with foreign shipowners on behalf of shippers before tariffs were introduced. In contrast, the new law explicitly empowers the agency to directly fix and approve tariffs before implementation.
​However, the Director-General assured stakeholders that NPERA would not act heavy-handedly or shut down businesses, recognizing the potential adverse effects such actions could have on the broader economy.
​Responding to questions regarding the agency’s operational strategy following presidential assent to the NPERA bill, Akutah outlined a phased approach focused on education before full enforcement:
​”Gradually, people will come to know what the law says. They will readjust their structures and reset their businesses to conform with the provisions of the law. Once the period we set for public enlightenment and stakeholder education is complete, full implementation will commence.
​”However, if we implement this law and there is no efficiency or revenue generated in the sector, it means the law has not achieved its purpose. You will all witness the rollout of this law and contribute in areas where you think we may be missing something,” he noted.
​He urged maritime journalists to study the legislative text thoroughly to enable informed media evaluation and objective reporting on the agency’s processes.
​”We are going to engage in extensive stakeholder sessions where we will speak frankly and receive feedback. If you don’t read the document, you may not understand it, but if you read it, everything becomes clear,” he added.
​Dr. Akutah congratulated the new LOME executive team led by its President, Mr. Felix Kumuyi, and commended maritime journalists for their persistent advocacy during the legislative push for the NPERA bill.
​He stressed that media partnership remains vital as the industry undergoes a major policy shift.
​“When there is a policy shift, it is essential to communicate it effectively so people understand what is in it for them. We need each other now more than ever because you were in the trenches fighting for the enactment of this law. Now that it is here, what do we do with it?
​“It is important that you join hands with us as one family to quickly transition to the implementation stage for the good of the Nigerian people. Expectations are high regarding what will be done differently.
​“With this law, we are confident in our evolution into a fully fledged revenue-generating regulatory body. Beyond our mandate, we rely on your feedback to catch what we might miss. Our duty now is to serve as an impartial arbiter balancing the interests of both service providers and consumers.
​”We are no longer a one-sided organization advocating solely for shippers, but one protecting all interests to ensure a transparent, symbiotic relationship. We will also work to harmonize price regimes. In Nigeria, prices usually go up and never come down; we intend to create mechanisms where tariff adjustments naturally reflect true market realities,” Akutah explained.
​In his remarks, LOME President Felix Kumuyi congratulated the Director-General and his management team on securing presidential assent from President Bola Tinubu.
​Kumuyi commended Akutah’s achievements since assuming office in 2023, particularly his leadership in driving the passage of the NPERA bill. Expressing optimism about the sector’s growth trajectory under the new regulatory framework, Kumuyi pledged LOME’s continued support.
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