Experts in the Maritime sector has added their voices to the National Single Window Policy which was introduced by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,Bola Ahmed Tinubu saying that its a way forward for all the agencies in promoting the economy, this was made known at the one day seminar organised by the Maritime Journalists' of Nigeria (MAJAN)
on Thursday 9th of April 2025 at Rockview hotel, Apapa Lagos with the theme “Transforming Trade Facilitation: Role of NSW in Enhancing Economic Efficiency”.
In his welcome address the president of the association,Mr. Jerry Aguigbo said the title of the summit cannot be x-rayed at a better time than now as its no doubt has the potential to not only create seamless trade,but also improve the nation's economy while effective dismantling barriers to trade facilitation. He said the National Single Window is a digital platform that streamlines international trade by allowing parties involved in trade and transport to submit standardized information and document through a single entry point. Jerry went further that in Nigeria ,the National Single Window was launched by President Bola Tinubu to enhance revenue generation and ensure the ease of doing business,which the platform is expected to link all agencies and players in import and export processes to an integrated platform,simplifying government trade compliance and unlocking economic prosperity.
In his remark, a former president of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF),Dr Eugene Nweke, who was the chairman of the event commended MAJAN for putting together such a laudable programme with such an important topic of national interest, saying the theme is apt and timely.
He noted that trade is supposed to promote peace globally but wondered if trade is really promoting peace in Nigeria currently. He stated that the National Single Window is an initiative that can transform trade in Nigeria and bring significant transformation to Nigeria economy if taken seriously. He however worried that people are politicizing the initiative rather than embracing it, noting that the project will enhance trade facilitation and transparency. He asserted that the initiative will bring laudable changes into the port operation in Nigeria if well implemented.
The Project Lead of the National Single Window (NSW) initiative, Mr. Tola Fakolade in his goodwill message reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s trade environment through the implementation of the National Single Window Project.
NSW project Lead, who was ably represented by a director of the project, Mr. Peter Ekunkoya, described the NSW as a transformational initiative of the current administration, aimed at enhancing economic efficiency and trade competitiveness.
“The National Single Window Project is designed to be a centralized, digital platform for the submission, processing, and approval of trade-related documentation. By linking various government agencies, importers, and service providers, we aim to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with import and export activities”, Fakolade stated.
He emphasized the administration's bold vision to reduce clearance times for imports and exports from an average of 10 to 18 days down to just 24 hours and according to him, this shift will not only increase transparency and reduce bureaucratic delays but also improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business and attract foreign direct investment, ultimately contributing to GDP growth.
According to the project lead, following the project’s formal inauguration by President Bola Tinubu on April 16, 2024, stakeholder engagements have commenced to develop the framework and governance structure necessary for the successful implementation of the initiative.
Acknowledging historical challenges in Nigeria’s trade system, such as long clearance times and poor coordination among regulatory agencies, Fakolade said the NSW platform will address these inefficiencies by enabling seamless access to trade information and documentation.
He described the project as a “groundbreaking journey” that would modernize Nigeria’s trade processes and place the country at the forefront of global trade facilitation.
He however noted that the success of the NSW Project will depend on collaboration among key agencies, including the Nigerian Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, NAFDAC, NESREA, CBN, NPA, FAAN, terminal operators, and security bodies like NDLEA and DSS. He stressed the importance of collective participation and the need for enabling infrastructure to support efficiency and compliance with international standards.
Fakolade expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved, acknowledging their dedication and expertise. “At the inauguration, the President reiterated that this project would be a legacy of the present administration. All those involved would be writing their names in gold,” he said.
He called for unity and commitment, encouraging stakeholders to embrace the opportunities presented by the NSW Project for national prosperity.
In a keynote address titled “The Role of NSW in Enhancing Economic Efficiency” Peter Ekunkoya gave an overview of what the team has done and what to expect next. He said the Single Window is a facility that allows parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardized information and documents with a single-entry point to fulfill all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements.
The key features of the initiative according to Ekunkoya are single interface, data sharing, transparency, e-payment and risk management. He pointed out that the project has saved Singapore around $1bn per year, adding that since 2014, the cost savings to the economy of Kenya through the initiative is amount to about $22.5m per year.
He noted that the system will reduce average time it takes to clear goods from the ports from 18 days to 1 day, reduce the amount of time it takes to export goods from 11 days to 1 day, reduces Percentage of containers that are physically inspected by agencies from 90% to 25% and also reduces clearing charges, demurrage and other fees by at least 50%.
Ekunkoya technically pointed out that the project will streamline trade processes, enhance document (data) harmonization and help to achieve pre-arrival processing, adding that the system will help to achieve 100% electronic payments and also leverage Customs Post Clearance Audit.
He said the team is working hard to ensure that the system works by engaging relevant stakeholders and agencies. “We have selected CrimsonLogic (Singapore) as the preferred technology vendor for the National Single Window (NSW) solution implementation. The next step is to finalise the vendor selection process and obtain FEC approval”, Ekunkoya said.
Although the team, based on its timeline, is already running behind schedule, Ekunkoya noted that the project is scheduled to be fully operational by March 2026. He therefore urged all stakeholders to support the project so as to transform the Nigeria economy.
He noted that trade is supposed to promote peace globally but wondered if trade is really promoting peace in Nigeria currently. He stated that the National Single Window is an initiative that can transform trade in Nigeria and bring significant transformation to Nigeria economy if taken seriously. He however worried that people are politicizing the initiative rather than embracing it, noting that the project will enhance trade facilitation and transparency. He asserted that the initiative will bring laudable changes into the port operation in Nigeria if well implemented.
The Project Lead of the National Single Window (NSW) initiative, Mr. Tola Fakolade in his goodwill message reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s trade environment through the implementation of the National Single Window Project.
NSW project Lead, who was ably represented by a director of the project, Mr. Peter Ekunkoya, described the NSW as a transformational initiative of the current administration, aimed at enhancing economic efficiency and trade competitiveness.
“The National Single Window Project is designed to be a centralized, digital platform for the submission, processing, and approval of trade-related documentation. By linking various government agencies, importers, and service providers, we aim to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with import and export activities”, Fakolade stated.
He emphasized the administration's bold vision to reduce clearance times for imports and exports from an average of 10 to 18 days down to just 24 hours and according to him, this shift will not only increase transparency and reduce bureaucratic delays but also improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business and attract foreign direct investment, ultimately contributing to GDP growth.
According to the project lead, following the project’s formal inauguration by President Bola Tinubu on April 16, 2024, stakeholder engagements have commenced to develop the framework and governance structure necessary for the successful implementation of the initiative.
Acknowledging historical challenges in Nigeria’s trade system, such as long clearance times and poor coordination among regulatory agencies, Fakolade said the NSW platform will address these inefficiencies by enabling seamless access to trade information and documentation.
He however noted that the success of the NSW Project will depend on collaboration among key agencies, including the Nigerian Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, NAFDAC, NESREA, CBN, NPA, FAAN, terminal operators, and security bodies like NDLEA and DSS. He stressed the importance of collective participation and the need for enabling infrastructure to support efficiency and compliance with international standards.
Fakolade expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved, acknowledging their dedication and expertise. “At the inauguration, the President reiterated that this project would be a legacy of the present administration. All those involved would be writing their names in gold,” he said.
He called for unity and commitment, encouraging stakeholders to embrace the opportunities presented by the NSW Project for national prosperity.
In a keynote address titled “The Role of NSW in Enhancing Economic Efficiency” Peter Ekunkoya gave an overview of what the team has done and what to expect next. He said the Single Window is a facility that allows parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardized information and documents with a single-entry point to fulfill all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements.
The key features of the initiative according to Ekunkoya are single interface, data sharing, transparency, e-payment and risk management. He pointed out that the project has saved Singapore around $1bn per year, adding that since 2014, the cost savings to the economy of Kenya through the initiative is amount to about $22.5m per year.
He noted that the system will reduce average time it takes to clear goods from the ports from 18 days to 1 day, reduce the amount of time it takes to export goods from 11 days to 1 day, reduces Percentage of containers that are physically inspected by agencies from 90% to 25% and also reduces clearing charges, demurrage and other fees by at least 50%.
Ekunkoya technically pointed out that the project will streamline trade processes, enhance document (data) harmonization and help to achieve pre-arrival processing, adding that the system will help to achieve 100% electronic payments and also leverage Customs Post Clearance Audit.
He said the team is working hard to ensure that the system works by engaging relevant stakeholders and agencies. “We have selected CrimsonLogic (Singapore) as the preferred technology vendor for the National Single Window (NSW) solution implementation. The next step is to finalise the vendor selection process and obtain FEC approval”, Ekunkoya said.
Although the team, based on its timeline, is already running behind schedule, Ekunkoya noted that the project is scheduled to be fully operational by March 2026. He therefore urged all stakeholders to support the project so as to transform the Nigeria economy.
Also speaking at the event, a Senior Forwarder of Nigeria, and Registrar, NAGAFF Academy, forwarder Idowu Omotosho, during his presentation titled “Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Trade: The Roles of National Single Window (NSW) in Combating Corruption,” explained that the National Single Window is a global trade facilitation tool rooted in international agreements such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL), the World Customs Organization (WCO) Kyoto Convention, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement.
According to Omotosho, there are three categories of National Single Windows globally, which are Single Window for Foreign Trade Clearance Formalities, Single Window for Logistics Coordination and the National Integral Single Window. He noted that the latter model represents the most comprehensive approach but also complex, as it involves stakeholders from different legal and administrative backgrounds.
Omotosho emphasized that successful NSW implementation hinges on stakeholder commitment, particularly from public agencies such as Customs and regulatory bodies. While private sector participants generally embrace such reforms due to clear economic benefits, government agencies may perceive them as threats to influence and control.
While highlighting the need for appropriate legal framework and model for the project, Omotosho said the NSW is not just a digital reform but a paradigm shift in public governance. He described it as the “highest standard of excellence in public service delivery” that will Reduce corruption and revenue leakages; Simplify clearing processes; Enhance trade transparency; Increase government revenue; Attract foreign direct investment; Support overall economic growth. He stressed that a fully implemented NSW will transform Nigeria’s trade sector, enabling traders to comply easily with government regulations and reducing delays at ports.
Omotosho proposed what he termed the “five lesses” agenda for a fully optimized cargo clearance system across Nigeria’s seaports, airports, and land borders with Paperless Operations, which is a 100% electronic processing with one single clearance approval document. He noted that the five lesses agenda is the way forward for the initiative to work.
The "five lesses" according to him are Cashless Operations, which is full use of electronic payment systems. Timeless Operations, which is 24-hour cargo clearance and surveillance; and Taxless Operations, which is a simplified taxation through a single tax point and reduced tariffs.
He also recommended a regional integration with the adoption of a single African currency. “Anything short of this is a waste of time,” Omotosho concluded, calling on all stakeholders to align for the success of the initiative.
The National President of NAGAFF, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, in his goodwill message also applauded the NSW initiative, saying it is a large project. Chief Ezisi who was ably represented at the event by the Deputy National President, Chief Afam Chukwuma said the NSW project is a large project and may not be easy as many people would think, but pointed out that the project will be a game changer for Nigeria economy if well implemented. He said “NAGAFF supports the NSW initiative and we will play our part to make it work“.
The controller, Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo, who was represented at the event by assistant controller A. G Umar, commended the federal government on NSW initiative. He urges all stakeholders to support the government on initiatives that can enhance trade and transform the nation’s economy.
The Assistant Director, DSS Apapa, Mr Amos Sar, commended the NSW initiative, saying Nigerians should applaud any project that will enhance trade and improve the nation’s economy.
The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to some distinguished personalities.
According to Omotosho, there are three categories of National Single Windows globally, which are Single Window for Foreign Trade Clearance Formalities, Single Window for Logistics Coordination and the National Integral Single Window. He noted that the latter model represents the most comprehensive approach but also complex, as it involves stakeholders from different legal and administrative backgrounds.
Omotosho emphasized that successful NSW implementation hinges on stakeholder commitment, particularly from public agencies such as Customs and regulatory bodies. While private sector participants generally embrace such reforms due to clear economic benefits, government agencies may perceive them as threats to influence and control.
While highlighting the need for appropriate legal framework and model for the project, Omotosho said the NSW is not just a digital reform but a paradigm shift in public governance. He described it as the “highest standard of excellence in public service delivery” that will Reduce corruption and revenue leakages; Simplify clearing processes; Enhance trade transparency; Increase government revenue; Attract foreign direct investment; Support overall economic growth. He stressed that a fully implemented NSW will transform Nigeria’s trade sector, enabling traders to comply easily with government regulations and reducing delays at ports.
Omotosho proposed what he termed the “five lesses” agenda for a fully optimized cargo clearance system across Nigeria’s seaports, airports, and land borders with Paperless Operations, which is a 100% electronic processing with one single clearance approval document. He noted that the five lesses agenda is the way forward for the initiative to work.
The "five lesses" according to him are Cashless Operations, which is full use of electronic payment systems. Timeless Operations, which is 24-hour cargo clearance and surveillance; and Taxless Operations, which is a simplified taxation through a single tax point and reduced tariffs.
He also recommended a regional integration with the adoption of a single African currency. “Anything short of this is a waste of time,” Omotosho concluded, calling on all stakeholders to align for the success of the initiative.
The National President of NAGAFF, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, in his goodwill message also applauded the NSW initiative, saying it is a large project. Chief Ezisi who was ably represented at the event by the Deputy National President, Chief Afam Chukwuma said the NSW project is a large project and may not be easy as many people would think, but pointed out that the project will be a game changer for Nigeria economy if well implemented. He said “NAGAFF supports the NSW initiative and we will play our part to make it work“.
The Assistant Director, DSS Apapa, Mr Amos Sar, commended the NSW initiative, saying Nigerians should applaud any project that will enhance trade and improve the nation’s economy.
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