NPERA Implements N20m Penalty for Port Violations

The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), under the leadership of Director-General Dr Pius Akutah, has established a new regulatory framework that includes a maximum corporate penalty of N20 million for port infractions. This framework replaces the previous regulations under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, which lacked sufficient deterrents.

During a courtesy visit from the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Akutah emphasized that the agency aims to create a more efficient and competitive port environment, crucial for Nigeria's goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030. The new penalties include a minimum of N500,000 for first-time individual offenders, with escalating fines for repeated violations.

Akutah stated that the objective is to encourage compliance without disrupting port operations, and he highlighted the importance of setting standards and promoting innovation and digitization to facilitate adherence to regulations. He also addressed concerns regarding multiple regulatory agencies at ports, insisting that their activities should not delay cargo clearance.