By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have commenced discussions aimed at resolving regulatory responsibilities surrounding inland dry ports as part of efforts to ensure a smooth transition under the new regulatory framework.
The meeting between the management of both agencies focused on the technical aspects of the transition, particularly the need to clearly define responsibilities and prevent duplication of functions among government agencies involved in the management and regulation of inland dry ports.
Akutah stressed that the transition would require the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, noting that NPERA could not successfully undertake the process alone.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would remain central to the transition, while the relevant mandates would be properly aligned and transferred to ensure a seamless integration.
He noted that the intervention of the Minister while the NPERA Bill was still before the National Assembly had helped to address disagreements among agencies and provided an opportunity for greater inter-agency collaboration.
Akutah said the meeting marked the beginning of the process of transferring relevant inland dry port duties to NPERA in line with its mandate as an economic regulator.
He also emphasised the need to effectively operationalise the provisions of the NPERA Act, including Section 51, to ensure that the responsibilities of the various stakeholders were clearly defined and properly coordinated.
To facilitate the process, the NPERA boss proposed the establishment of a joint committee comprising NPERA, NPA, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He explained that inland dry ports remained important to the expansion of maritime services into Nigeria’s hinterland, while also supporting the country’s trade and logistics network.
Responding, the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the initiative as a welcome development and assured NPERA of the Authority’s technical and operational support throughout the transition.
Dantsoho said the process had commenced with the right intention and purpose, adding that NPA would provide updated information on the current status of inland dry ports to support the ongoing discussions.
He expressed optimism that further engagements between the agencies would help achieve the objectives of the transition and strengthen the development of inland dry ports.
Also speaking, NPA Executive Director, Engr. Lekan Badmus, commended NPERA for initiating the collaboration.
Badmus described the meeting as an important step towards achieving a smooth integration, noting that the agencies had now entered the technical phase of the transition.
He said particular attention would be given to avoiding duplication of functions and ensuring that each agency operates within its clearly defined mandate.
In his closing remarks, Akutah said the proposed joint committee would reconvene with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to obtain further clarification on the transition and agree on the necessary steps.
He said the objective was to ensure that the transfer of responsibilities was implemented smoothly and effectively, with proper coordination among all the agencies involved.
