Oyetola Orders Transfer of Inland Dry Port Functions to NPA as NSC Transitions to NPERA

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gbenga Oyetola, has directed the transfer of the Inland Dry Port (IDP) functions of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Oyetola said the directive was part of ongoing reforms aimed at creating a clear separation between port economic regulation, development and operations.

He also announced the immediate constitution of a ministerial committee to oversee the transition of the NSC into the newly established Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the NPERA Act, 2026.

According to the minister, the new law marks a major reform in Nigeria’s port sector, with NPERA expected to take over the role of substantive economic regulator previously performed by the NSC on an interim basis since 2014.

Under the new framework, NPERA will regulate tariffs and charges, promote competition, oversee licensing and service standards, resolve commercial disputes and protect port users.

Oyetola said the reforms would eliminate overlapping responsibilities among agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy while improving transparency and creating a more predictable environment for investors, shipping companies, terminal operators and other stakeholders.

He added that transferring the IDP functions to the NPA would help strengthen inland dry ports by integrating them more effectively into Nigeria’s wider port infrastructure and operational network.

“The emergence of NPERA marks a new chapter in the governance of Nigeria’s port sector,” Oyetola said, assuring stakeholders of a seamless transition towards a more efficient, integrated and competitive port system.