DG/CEO, Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency NPERA, Dr. Akutah Pius (first left), Director General/CEO, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (second from left), Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (second from right) and some Danish officials.

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

Dr. Akutah made the call in Copenhagen, Denmark, during a Meeting with Industry Association-Danish Maritime (Danske Maritime) as part of the Nigerian delegation’s engagements in the country.

Speaking on Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, the DG/CEO noted that the Federal Government has continued to place increased emphasis on trade and the marine and blue economy as important drivers of economic diversification, particularly as the country works to reduce its dependence on oil and gas.

He stated that Nigeria is strengthening the institutional and regulatory structures required to create transparent, fair and competitive conditions for businesses operating within the maritime and port sector.

According to him, the recent establishment of NPERA represents a significant step towards strengthening the economic regulation of Nigeria’s ports and improving the overall competitiveness of the maritime sector.

He explained that the Agency’s responsibilities extend beyond pricing and tariff regulation to creating an enabling environment for efficient port services, fair competition, improved trade processes and sustainable private-sector participation.

The DG/CEO consequently identified capacity building, institutional strengthening, regulatory best practices, technology and knowledge transfer as key areas in which NPERA would welcome collaboration with Danish institutions and maritime industry stakeholders.

He stressed the Agency’s determination to build on existing reforms by adopting international best practices and developing the institutional capacity necessary to position NPERA among leading port economic regulatory institutions globally.

The meeting formed part of broader engagements during the Nigerian delegation’s visit to Denmark, led by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, to deepen Nigeria-Denmark cooperation and explore opportunities for investment, knowledge exchange, and partnerships in the marine and blue economy.