NPERA Seeks Denmark Partnership on Port Regulation, Trade Facilitation

By Frontline Reporters

The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, NPERA, Dr. Akutah Pius, has called for stronger strategic cooperation between Nigeria and Denmark in port economic regulation, trade facilitation, institutional development and capacity building.

Akutah made the call in Copenhagen, Denmark, during a meeting with the Danish maritime industry association, Danske Maritime, as part of the Nigerian delegation’s engagements in the country.

He said the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms had placed greater emphasis on trade and the marine and blue economy as critical drivers of economic diversification, particularly in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on oil and gas.

According to him, Nigeria is strengthening its institutional and regulatory framework to create a transparent, fair and competitive environment for businesses operating in the maritime and port sectors.

Akutah described the establishment of NPERA as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen economic regulation of the nation’s ports and enhance the competitiveness of the maritime industry.

He stressed that NPERA’s mandate goes beyond pricing and tariff regulation, explaining that the agency is also focused on promoting efficient port services, fair competition, improved trade processes and sustainable private-sector participation.

The NPERA boss identified capacity building, institutional strengthening, regulatory best practices, technology and knowledge transfer as priority areas where the agency would welcome collaboration with Danish institutions and maritime industry stakeholders.

He further expressed NPERA’s determination to leverage international best practices and build the institutional capacity required to establish the agency as one of the leading port economic regulators globally.

The meeting was part of broader engagements by the Nigerian delegation during its visit to Denmark, led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, aimed at deepening Nigeria-Denmark cooperation and exploring investment, knowledge-sharing and partnership opportunities in the marine and blue economy.