Joyce Mmereole Okoli
National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, has expressed strong confidence in the Federal Government’s National Single Window (NSW) project, stating that the platform will slash cargo clearance time at Nigerian ports by at least 75 percent.
Ezisi, who spoke during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, urged freight forwarders across the country to seize the ongoing end-user training, describing it as crucial to maximizing the benefits of the digital platform ahead of its March 27, 2026 launch.
Below are excerpts from the interview:
• How prepared are freight forwarders for the National Single Window?
Ezisi: The first phase of the NSW will be launched on March 27, 2026, and it will be a thing of joy for freight forwarders. It is a government initiative strictly aimed at enhancing trade facilitation. With the NSW, cargo clearance time will drop by at least 75%.
The Nigeria Customs Service already has the Time Release Study, and the Single Window will complement and significantly improve it. Things will work faster. For us, it is a welcome development.
• Will the platform truly facilitate trade and benefit freight forwarders?
Ezisi: Absolutely. The NSW is about trade facilitation, nothing else. By bringing all relevant agencies onto one platform, everyone can see what others are doing in real time. Instead of moving from agency to agency, all processes are centralized. It makes clearance faster, more transparent, and far less stressful. It is a major leap for the industry.
• Given past tech and infrastructure challenges, what concerns do you have?
Ezisi: In any major project, you prepare for the worst, but the NSW has full Federal Government backing. If any agency tries to pull out, it will be challenging the authority of the Federal Government, and no agency is bigger than the government.
Yes, there will be teething problems and network issues, this is Nigeria, but from what I have seen of the NSW’s security architecture, they are ready. Any problems that arise will be resolved quickly.
• Do you expect the cost of cargo clearance to reduce with the NSW?
Ezisi: Definitely. When all agencies operate on one platform, costs naturally go down. Processes become more accountable and more efficient. Transparency alone will drive down cost for stakeholders.
• What is your message to freight forwarders nationwide?
Ezisi: My message goes to all freight forwarders, not just NAGAFF members. There is end-user training going on nationwide, please take it seriously. The turnout has been good, but more people need to register.
The training is hands-on, it is free, and even meals are provided. Don’t wait until the platform goes live before seeking clarification. Take advantage now.
• What is the current average time for clearing cargo?
Ezisi: Under the Customs Time Release Study, if your declaration is accurate and there are no issues, goods can be cleared within three to four days. With completely honest declaration, goods can leave the port within 48 hours.
That is why I emphasize honest declaration, it is the single most important factor in speeding up clearance.
• Your New Year message emphasized compliance. How has that been received?
Ezisi: It ties into what we’re saying today. Honest declaration is key. When declarations are clean, the job becomes easier for Customs and faster for us. I will continue urging all freight forwarders, honesty is in our best interest and in the interest of the nation.
