NPERA Seeks Stronger Coordination to Reduce Port, Logistics Costs at JustNet Transport Summit 

The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) has called for stronger coordination among government agencies, port operators and transport service providers to address challenges contributing to high logistics costs and improve trade facilitation.

Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akuta, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, made the call in his goodwill message at the Nigerian Transport Summit 2026, organised by JustAlive Communications Limited at Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, 23 October 2026.

He stressed that the challenges facing Nigeria’s transport sector were interconnected and required a coordinated approach involving government ministries and agencies, regulatory bodies, infrastructure providers, transport operators, investors and the business community.

Akutah who was represented by the Deputy Director, Inland Transport Services Department, Mr Obinna Ofurum identified delays in cargo clearance, excessive or unpredictable charges, inadequate infrastructure and weak coordination among stakeholders as factors that could increase logistics costs and undermine the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.

According to him, addressing these challenges requires sustained collaboration among relevant government agencies, port authorities, terminal operators, shipping companies, transport providers and other stakeholders.

He also advocated improved information sharing, transparent procedures, effective complaint-resolution mechanisms and the responsible application of technology to port and transport operations.

“NPERA remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote efficient port services, protect the legitimate interests of port users and facilitate the movement of cargo through Nigeria’s ports. We believe that a well-regulated port environment will contribute significantly to reducing the cost of trade, improving service standards and creating a more attractive environment for investment,” the Agency’s Chief said.

On multimodal transport integration, Akutah stressed the need for effective integration of road, rail, inland waterways and other transport modes to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo from the ports to inland markets and production centres.

To him, supporting transport infrastructure could help decongest seaports, improve cargo evacuation and bring port-related services closer to importers and exporters in the hinterland.

He however stressed that the benefits of such facilities depend on the availability of transport connections, operational arrangements, regulatory coordination and commercial partnerships.

“We must therefore continue to address bottlenecks affecting rail freight services, road transport costs, cargo documentation, shipping arrangements and the effective utilization of inland transport infrastructure”.

Akutah urged participants at the summit to identify actionable solutions to challenges affecting port operations, cargo evacuation, transport infrastructure, energy supply, logistics costs and trade facilitation.

He further emphasised the importance of innovation, digitalisation, environmental sustainability and international best practices, while ensuring that policies and regulatory interventions reflected Nigeria’s economic and operational realities.

The summit, themed “Navigating Global Disruptions and the Road Ahead: Mobility, Energy and Trade Facilitation for a Resilient Future,” brought together Stakeholders from aviation, maritime and rail sector to deliberate on issues affecting Nigeria’s transport and logistics sector.

Akutah concluded reaffirming NPERA’s commitment to constructive engagement with stakeholders to advance a transparent, efficient, competitive and sustainable port and maritime environment.