The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) has warned companies operating within the nation’s ports that violations of its regulations and operational standards could attract fines of up to N20 million.
The agency said the tougher sanctions are part of efforts to improve compliance, strengthen port operations and support the government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
NPERA Director-General, Dr Pius Akutah, disclosed this on Tuesday while receiving journalists on a courtesy visit. He said the powers granted to the agency under the NPERA Act 2026 would help sanitise the ports, protect investments and improve efficiency across the maritime sector.
Akutah explained that the new regulatory framework provides for a minimum fine of N500,000 for an individual who commits a first offence, with higher penalties applicable to repeat offenders.
He added that penalties imposed on companies could increase where a firm repeatedly violates the law.
According to him, the stronger sanctions represent a change from the previous regulatory system under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, which he said did not have sufficient legal backing to effectively enforce compliance.
The NPERA boss stressed that the objective of the new law was not to disrupt port activities but to establish a system that encourages operators to comply voluntarily with regulations.
He said the penalties were designed to serve as a deterrent and ensure that businesses operating in the sector follow established rules.
Akutah also said the agency would operate as an impartial regulator, ensuring that both service providers and users of port facilities are treated fairly under the law.
He said the new framework would improve the competitiveness of Nigerian ports by encouraging higher standards among port users and helping the country’s facilities compete with ports in other countries.
On tariffs, Akutah said NPERA would oversee adjustments and enforcement measures aimed at protecting investments and the wider economy.
He further explained that the law established a deterrent framework against activities that could undermine ongoing reforms in the maritime industry.
The Director-General said enforcement should not be viewed as an attempt to intimidate operators but as a means of discouraging violations and promoting compliance.
He added that while the agency would generate revenue, fines would be imposed for regulatory breaches, with some offences potentially leading to criminal prosecution under the law.
Akutah said the success of the regulatory framework would depend on the firm and fair application of its provisions.
He also disclosed that NPERA would strengthen its dispute-resolution system and explore alternative dispute resolution methods to reduce the time and cost of resolving maritime disputes and prevent prolonged disagreements from affecting trade.
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