By Oscar Okhifo
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) have begun moves to ensure a seamless handover of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs), proposing the establishment of a joint inter-agency committee to prevent jurisdictional conflicts and strengthen Nigeria’s trade logistics system.
The initiative was unveiled during a high-level meeting between the management of the NPA and the executive leadership of NPERA at the NPA Corporate Headquarters in Lagos.
The meeting was convened at the instance of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, to develop a framework for effective collaboration following recent regulatory reforms in the maritime sector.
The development comes weeks after Oyetola, on September 3, 2026, directed the transfer of regulatory functions over Inland Dry Ports as part of efforts to establish a clearer separation of responsibilities covering port regulation, development and operations.
The directive followed the enactment of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, which was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Receiving the NPERA delegation, the NPA Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, congratulated the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr Pius Akutah, on the new legislation, which transformed the former Nigerian Shippers’ Council into NPERA and expanded its regulatory mandate.
Dantsoho reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to supporting the agency, stressing that stronger cooperation among agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would improve cargo movement from the nation’s seaports to the hinterland.
“This transition represents a critical step forward in optimising our national logistics ecosystem,” Dantsoho said.
He added that greater alignment between the two agencies would be crucial to eliminating operational friction, improving port efficiency and unlocking the economic potential of trade across the country.
Speaking earlier, Akutah described Inland Dry Ports as strategic assets capable of extending maritime logistics beyond coastal cities and stimulating regional commerce.
“The Nigerian Ports Authority remains a cornerstone in ensuring our Inland Dry Ports function as effective centres for cargo transit and distribution to the hinterlands,” Akutah said.
He explained that the visit was aimed at establishing a common understanding among relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure an uninterrupted transition in the management of Inland Dry Ports nationwide.
To prevent overlaps in responsibilities, Akutah proposed the establishment of a Joint Inter-Agency Committee in the form of a Technical Working Group.
The proposed committee would comprise representatives of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, NPA, NPERA, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
According to Akutah, the committee would identify and resolve operational conflicts, streamline administrative procedures and eliminate duplication of responsibilities in Inland Dry Port operations.
Both chief executives reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Minister’s policy directives and aligning their institutional frameworks to promote trade facilitation, sustainable economic growth and greater efficiency in Nigeria’s ports and logistics sector.
Maritime stakeholders and logistics experts have, over the years, stressed the importance of stronger coordination among government agencies to reduce port bottlenecks, improve cargo evacuation and lower the cost of doing business.
If successfully implemented, the proposed framework is expected to facilitate a smoother transition of Inland Dry Port regulatory functions while improving trade and logistics efficiency across the country.