The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) are partnering with shipping companies and terminal operators to bolster port efficiency and grant relief to stakeholders affected by delays in the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW). This intervention ensures that stakeholders, including importers and clearing agents, are not unfairly penalised by system-induced glitches as the nation migrates to a more streamlined digital trade platform.
However ,at a high-level meeting held on Friday, April 10, at the NSC’s Lagos headquarters, maritime regulators and private sector leaders gathered to fine-tune the country’s digital trade framework. The forum brought together the NSC, NCS, and the NSW Secretariat, alongside shipping companies and terminal operators, to review the rollout and address teething problems affecting cargo clearance.
Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D, the Executive Secretary/ CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in his opening remarks hailed the National Single Window (NSW) as a transformative leap for the maritime industry. While celebrating this milestone, he candidly addressed the “teething problems” of its rollout, acknowledging that initial operational friction has impacted cargo clearance timelines for port users.
He emphasized that the system—officially activated on March 27—is a landmark reform decades in the making. Designed to dismantle port bureaucracy, it serves as a digital backbone to enhance transparency, sharpen operational efficiency, and finally modernize Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
“the National Single Window is a significant development that has brought optimism to stakeholders. However, like any major reform, it comes with teething problems that must be collectively addressed to ensure seamless implementation,”he said
Addressing ”friction at the source”—Dr. Akutah explained that the engagement serves as a high-level troubleshooting forum. In partnership with the NSW Secretariat, the Council is stripping away operational hurdles to ensure that the transition to a digital window doesn’t come at the cost of cargo fluidity.
“We now know that things are taking shape, gradually taking shape, and it’s for the benefit of all of us. We are here to look at, yet again, the implementation and some of the challenges that have arisen that we need to tackle together as a family, to ensure that we move on smoothly with the implementation stage.”
Also, while advocating for a unified front, the NSC boss described the maritime community as an interdependent ecosystem. He urged all players to view these “teething problems” as a collective challenge, insisting that a “family approach” to problem-solving is essential to sustaining the momentum of the National Single Window.
NRS Boss Dr. Zacch Adedeji made a strong case for relief, pushing for a blanket waiver on demurrage and storage fees. He urged operators to “show understanding” as the industry navigates the initial hurdles of the National Single Window rollout.
He argued that port users shouldn’t “pay the price” for system-related downtime. He insisted that waivers would provide a critical financial cushion for stakeholders currently navigating these unforeseen operational bottlenecks.
“Anywhere in the world, when there are changes, there are hitches, and when there are things not part of business, people discuss solutions, and I want us to work together to resolve them.”
“There have been some single window-induced delays, and that has led to delays in the clearance of cargoes. That is why we are here to seek your support. While we are passing through this initial stage, we can get your support,” he stated.
Following the appeal, Dr. Adedeji confirmed that service providers are on board. He stated that operators have agreed to utilize their internal waiver processes for Single Window-related delays, emphasizing their shared vision of a modernized, efficient port system that benefits all parties.
Confirming that no major reform is without its friction, the NRS Boss explained that the session was a necessary “alignment meeting.” It served as a vital forum to harmonize operations with service providers and iron out the initial wrinkles of the Single Window rollout.
Therefore, “automation is no longer optional”—this was the message from Dr. Akutah as he pushed for a faster tech rollout across terminals. He argued that for the National Single Window to truly revolutionize the port, service providers must ensure their systems are “integration-ready” to eliminate manual bottlenecks.
“With the advent of the National Single Window, the need for full automation of systems has become even more crucial. Stakeholders must fast-track their digital integration to align with the platform and ensure smoother processes,” he said.
The industry consensus is clear: the National Single Window is the right move, but the current execution needs sharpening. Stakeholders highlighted that while the platform promises a “frictionless” trade environment, recent system outages have created a temporary clearance backlog. Once fully optimized, the NSW will serve as the nation’s premier trade engine—reducing human interface and driving down the cost of doing business.
The path forward rests on a “triple-threat” solution: robust system upgrades, inter-agency collaboration, and financial cushions for affected port users. With these in place, the maritime community is poised to reap the long-term rewards of this digital revolution.
The Single Window is a win for all, but efficiency remains the goal”—this was the consensus from the shipping community. Adding a practical perspective, PTML Boss Tunde Keshinro emphasized that while the industry must guard against a culture of excuses, terminals are ready to step in with financial relief for importers whose clearance was legitimately stalled by system glitches.
“It’s a national project that will benefit everyone. There are importers that are efficient, and those with genuine needs would be attended to, and we shouldn’t encourage inefficiencies,” he said.
Participants departed the session with renewed confidence, looking ahead to more seamless trade operations. The meeting marked a shift toward a more harmonised, tech-driven port industry, where collaboration and automation are expected to improve efficiency.
