The Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have commenced technical discussions aimed at eliminating overlapping responsibilities in the management and regulation of inland dry ports across Nigeria.
The discussions, which began on Monday, are part of the implementation of a new regulatory framework following the directive of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola.
The meeting between the management of both agencies focused on defining their respective mandates and ensuring that the transfer of inland dry port-related functions to NPERA does not create duplication among government agencies.
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr Pius Akutah, said successful implementation of the transition would require cooperation among all relevant stakeholders.
He said the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would remain central to the process, while relevant responsibilities would be transferred in line with the mandates of the agencies involved.
Akutah noted that the Minister’s intervention while the NPERA Bill was before the National Assembly had helped resolve disagreements among agencies and provided a basis for improved collaboration.
He said the relevant provisions of the NPERA Act, including Section 51, must be effectively operationalised to ensure that the responsibilities of stakeholders were properly aligned.
To coordinate the process, Akutah proposed a joint committee involving NPERA, NPA, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
According to him, the committee would provide a platform for resolving technical issues and ensuring that the transition was implemented without disrupting operations.
He also described inland dry ports as critical to extending the benefits of the maritime sector to Nigeria’s hinterland and improving the country’s trade and logistics network.
The Managing Director of NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, welcomed the initiative and pledged the Authority’s operational and technical support to NPERA throughout the transition.
Dantsoho said NPA would provide updated information on the current status of inland dry ports to assist the agencies in their deliberations.
He expressed optimism that continued engagements would strengthen the development of inland dry ports and help achieve the objectives of the regulatory transition.
Also speaking, NPA Executive Director, Engr. Lekan Badmus, described the meeting as an important step towards achieving a smooth integration.
Badmus said the agencies had entered the technical phase of the process, with avoiding duplication of functions remaining a major consideration.
Akutah said the proposed committee would further engage the Minister to obtain clarification on outstanding issues and agree on the steps required to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
