NPERA awards outstanding staff, reaffirms commitment to world-class regulation

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) has honoured outstanding members of staff for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to quality service delivery, reaffirming its resolve to build a world-class port economic regulatory institution.

The recognition was made at the Agency’s combined 2025 CEO and SERVICOM Staff Recognition Awards held at its headquarters in Lagos, where deserving personnel were rewarded for excellence across various departments and units.

The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, who was represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr Steve Olaniyi, congratulated the award recipients and charged all personnel to uphold integrity, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Akutah said the transition from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to NPERA under the NPERA Act, 2026, had placed greater responsibility on the Agency and its personnel, requiring higher standards of performance and conduct.

He stressed that the credibility of NPERA as the nation’s port economic regulator would ultimately depend on the collective performance of its workforce.

The DG/CEO therefore urged staff to embrace continuous learning, technology-driven decision-making and innovative approaches to regulatory challenges, particularly those capable of simplifying procedures, reducing delays and promoting transparency across the nation’s ports.

He also identified mentorship as an important responsibility of leadership, urging senior personnel to support the professional development of younger officers and contribute to building a strong and competent workforce.

Akutah assured staff that Management remained committed to their welfare and professional development, while challenging them to reciprocate through improved productivity and a strong commitment to the Agency’s mandate.

In her goodwill message, the Acting National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of SERVICOM, Mrs Helen Lawal, represented by Team Leader B, Dr Ben Onche Olofu, said excellence should become an integral part of NPERA’s everyday culture rather than an occasional achievement.

She noted that the Agency’s regulatory responsibilities placed it at a critical point in Nigeria’s maritime economy, stressing that the quality of its services would directly affect port users, businesses and the wider economy.

Lawal urged personnel to recognise every interaction with stakeholders, every regulatory decision and every official responsibility as an opportunity to demonstrate competence, fairness and responsiveness.

She said public service could be delivered with excellence when officers remained committed to professionalism, accountability and the needs of those they were mandated to serve.

The ceremony featured awards in several categories, including Best Staff of the Year from each department and unit, Best Director of the Year, Best Department/Unit of the Year, Outstanding Standing NYSC/IT, Driver of the Year and Cleaner of the Year.

The NPERA Director-General/CEO also received a Special Award from the Agency’s SERVICOM Unit.

The ceremony ended with networking among staff and stakeholders, as personnel renewed their commitment to supporting Management’s vision of transforming NPERA into a world-class port economic regulator and strengthening service delivery across Nigeria’s maritime sector.