To accelerate the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project and halt the N2.5 trillion annual loss due to the country’s lack of a functional Single Window, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) hosted shipping companies and the NSW Secretariat.
LEADERSHIP reports that Nigeria is estimated to lose approximately N2.5 trillion annually due to the non-implementation of the NSW initiative.
This annual loss stems from delays and administrative bottlenecks at the country’s ports. The NSW is designed to streamline trade processes and reduce costs by integrating data from multiple government agencies.
However, at the meeting, the council reiterated that the project, when operational, would reduce human interface in shipping processes and procedures, enhancing trade facilitation and port efficiency.
At the meeting, the executive secretary of the council, Dr Akutah Pius, said the council is committed to engaging a broad range of stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.
Dr Akutah, represented by the director of the Consumer Affairs Department, Celestine Akujobi, stated that the council is working closely with other agencies and shipping companies to ensure the project’s effective implementation.
Also, the project team director, Tola Fakolade, said the NSW project will streamline trade processes, eliminate data duplication, and simplify compliance, driving economic growth.
China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) representative seeks to include more government bodies working on the ports’ corridors in the project’s design to address cargo interception and duplication of duties.
The head of MSC Nigeria Shipping Line Customer Service Operation & Manifest Documentation, Olumide Adefisan, described the NSW as a one-stop shop for documentation and urged the implementation team to address cargo description characterisation concerns.
The meeting addressed technical implementation issues, terminal operators’ inclusion, and duplication of efforts by government agencies.
