Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Director of the Nigeria National Single Window (NSW) Project, Tola Fakolade, has assured that the forthcoming platform will not displace any government agency involved in trade facilitation. Instead, it will integrate their processes to eliminate duplication, streamline operations and boost efficiency across Nigeria’s ports.
Fakolade explained that the NSW is built to ensure that once the Nigeria Customs Service issues a release, it automatically incorporates the risk assessment and compliance checks of other port regulatory bodies, removing repetitive procedures that have long slowed cargo clearance.
According to him, all key trade agencies were carried along from the project’s inception, each nominating technical specialists who contributed to designing and aligning the system.
He revealed that the platform has already uncovered and resolved multiple overlapping procedures that added no value but significantly prolonged cargo processing.
Fakolade also disclosed that intensive training for end-users, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and Nigerian Ports Authority officials, has been ongoing for over a month. Sessions are being held physically at centres accommodating 30 to 50 persons, complemented by online videos and learning materials.
He emphasised that the NSW will operate side-by-side with the B’Odogwu Customs Management System, describing both platforms as complementary tools.
“The B’Odogwu system handles core Customs functions such as valuation and risk management, while the National Single Window provides a single-entry portal for all trader applications and approvals,” he said.
When the NSW goes live on March 27, 2026, it will initially offer services such as applications for import licences, certificates and permits for agencies including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, NAFDAC, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service and NESREA, along with manifest submissions by shipping lines and airlines.
Meanwhile, Princess Chi Ezeh, Vice President (Seaports) of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), applauded the NSW implementation committee for recognising freight forwarders as vital players in the trade facilitation chain.
Ezeh noted that during stakeholder consultations, freight forwarders were able to outline the operational hurdles they face at the ports, issues the project team has pledged to address.
She expressed confidence in the upcoming deployment of the NSW, urging the implementation team to ensure the platform enhances trade efficiency rather than create new bottlenecks.
Similarly, the Chairman of APFFLON Tincan Chapter, Alhaji Akeem Ayobiojo, pledged the cooperation of freight forwarders, emphasising the need for operators to uphold accuracy and transparency in documentation.
According to him, professionalism from all parties will be key to achieving the NSW’s objective of reducing cost, saving time and improving efficiency across Nigeria’s port ecosystem.