Exploring opportunities for maritime cooperation
Nigerian delegation engages with Danish counterparts
DENMARK: A recent trip to Denmark saw a delegation from the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) engage with Industry Association-Danish Maritime (Danske Maritime) to call for a stronger strategic cooperation between Nigeria and Denmark in port economic regulation, trade facilitation, institutional development and capacity building.
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr Akutah Pius, led the delegation as part of Nigeria’s broader 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.
PHOTO: The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr Akutah Pius, led the delegation as part of Nigeria’s broader engagements in the country.
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