Why President Tinubu is yet to sign NPERA Bill – Akutah

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, has given reasons why the awaited Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill is yet to be signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite being transmitted by the National Assembly last year.

Dr. Pius Akutah stated this while speaking at the 4 – day retreat themed “Advancing Strategic Execution: Driving Collaboration, Innovation and Excellence for a Future-Ready NSC” in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Akutah disclosed that the President returned the bill to the National Assembly because certain provisions conflicted with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025. “As you are aware, the Bill had earlier been passed by the National Assembly and transmitted for Presidential assent.

“During the review process, however, certain provisions were observed to conflict with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025”. Therefore, the Bill was returned to the National Assembly for necessary corrections”.

The NSC boss informed that the House of Representatives had already corrected the conflicting areas and that the revised version is now awaiting concurrence from the Senate.

He stated that once assented to, the legislation will provide the statutory foundation for strengthening Nigeria’s port economic regulatory framework and further reposition the Council for its expanded mandate.

Speaking on the proposed salary review, Akutah announced that it has already received approval from the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
He said the proposal is currently undergoing final vetting by the Budget Office, after which it will be considered by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for final approval before implementation.

He added that several welfare improvements have been introduced, including, Upward review of the Children Education Grant to per term, introduction of Health and Social Club allowances; and introduction of Proficiency Allowances to encourage professional development, stating that these initiatives reflect management’s commitment to strengthening staff welfare and institutional morale.

The CEO also charged staff to maintain high ethical standards, warning against gossip and misinformation.

He maintained that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is a regulatory institution of national importance, and therefore, its reputation, credibility, and authority depend greatly on the conduct, integrity, and professionalism of its staff and as such, every member of the organisation must therefore uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline confidentiality, and institutional responsibility.

Speaking on the retreat, Akutah charged all staff to take full ownership of the Council’s transformation agenda which requires stronger collaboration across departments and units, greater innovation in the way technology and regulatory tools are deployed, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence in service delivery.

He pointed out that the theme of this year’s retreat highlights three strategic imperatives that must guide the next phase of the Council’s institutional development; Collaboration, because no regulatory institution can operate effectively in isolation within a complex maritime ecosystem. “Innovation, because the dynamics of global trade and logistics require institutions that are adaptive, technology-driven and forward-looking, Excellence, because the credibility and authority of a regulator ultimately depend on the professionalism, integrity and performance of its people. “These three pillars must therefore shape how we think, how we lead, and how we execute our responsibilities as an institution.

Akutah urged Directors and Heads of Units to move beyond simple administration and become drivers of institutional transformation, ensuring the Council’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan is met with clinical execution. “Each department/unit must align its priorities with the strategic objectives of the Council. “Each leader must inspire their teams toward higher performance. And each unit must commit itself to delivering measurable results. “Let us remember that institutions do not transform themselves, people transform institutions, and the responsibility for that transformation begins with us” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director, Strategic Planning and Research Department of the Council, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose noted that as the demand for efficiency, predictability, and transparency is rising, the Council can not afford to fail stakeholders whose expectations are increasing and government priorities are becoming more performance-driven.

”In this environment, execution is not optional, it is essential. If we execute effectively, Stakeholder confidence deepens, Institutional credibility strengthens, regulatory authority becomes respected and our contribution to national economic objectives becomes visible and measurable,” he said.