Tinubu Signs Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Bill

President Bola Tinubu has signed the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, 2026, into law, establishing a dedicated economic regulator for the nation's port sector. The legislation, which grants the Nigerian Shippers Council full legal backing as the regulator, was assented to on Thursday, August 13, 2026, according to multiple official announcements.

The development was disclosed by Dr. Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council, who expressed gratitude to the President for making the act a reality. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, also welcomed the presidential assent, describing it as a landmark step towards strengthening economic regulation and improving efficiency in the nation's ports.

The new law empowers the regulator with oversight powers covering tariffs, charges, competition, licensing of port service providers, and the resolution of commercial disputes. According to Minister Oyetola, the legislation is expected to provide greater certainty, transparency, and efficiency within the port industry while advancing the Federal Government's efforts to develop a globally competitive...