President Bola Tinubu has assented to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated economic regulator for Nigeria’s port sector.

The development was disclosed by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akutah, who expressed appreciation to the President for signing the legislation into law.

The new agency is expected to provide an independent statutory framework for economic regulation of Nigerian ports, following years of calls for a dedicated regulator to oversee commercial activities in the sector.

The legislation is expected to strengthen regulation of port tariffs, service standards, competition and commercial conduct, helping to promote greater transparency and efficiency across the maritime industry.

The bill had previously been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and was awaiting presidential assent. Its enactment therefore marks a significant step towards establishing a formal economic regulatory structure for Nigeria's ports.

However, details of the agency's implementation framework and the specific transition arrangements were not immediately available following the President's assent.

The development is expected to have implications for port operators, shipping companies, terminal operators and other stakeholders involved in Nigeria's maritime trade.