NPERA, NPA Begin Talks On Inland Dry Port Functions Transfer
The Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have commenced discussions on the transfer of inland dry port-related functions as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory coordination and promote the development of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
The discussions, which began on Monday during a meeting between the management of both agencies, focused on the technical aspects of the transition, including the delineation of responsibilities and the prevention of overlapping functions among government agencies.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr. Pius Akutah, said the directive by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, should be viewed as a strategic step towards advancing the growth and development of the nation’s marine and blue economy.
Akutah emphasised that the transition could not be successfully implemented by NPERA alone, stressing the need for cooperation among all relevant stakeholders. He explained that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would remain central to the process, while the mandates of the agencies involved would be appropriately transferred to ensure a smooth integration.
According to him, the minister’s intervention while the NPERA Bill was still before the National Assembly helped resolve disagreements among government agencies and established a foundation for stronger inter-agency collaboration.
The NPERA chief further stated that the meeting marked the commencement of the process of transferring relevant inland dry port responsibilities to NPERA, in accordance with its mandate as an economic regulator.
He highlighted the importance of effectively operationalising the provisions of the NPERA Act, including Section 51, to facilitate a seamless transition and ensure that the responsibilities of the various stakeholders were properly aligned.
As part of the proposed framework, Akutah called for the establishment of a joint committee comprising NPERA, NPA, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The committee, he explained, would be responsible for coordinating the transition process and addressing issues that could affect the effective transfer of functions.
Akutah also underscored the strategic importance of inland dry ports in extending the benefits of Nigeria’s maritime sector to the hinterland, noting their role in strengthening the country’s trade and logistics network.
Responding, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the initiative as a welcome development and assured NPERA of the authority’s operational and technical support throughout the transition.
Dantsoho said the process had commenced with the right intention and purpose, adding that the NPA would provide updated information on the current status of inland dry ports to support the deliberations and facilitate informed decisions.
He expressed optimism that subsequent engagements between the agencies would help achieve the objectives of the transition and contribute to the further development of inland dry ports across the country.
Also speaking, the NPA Executive Director, Engr. Lekan Badmus, commended NPERA for initiating the collaboration, describing the meeting as an important step towards achieving a smooth integration of the relevant functions.
