Customs, Shipping Lines Begin e-Manifest Submission As Single Window Implementation Deepens

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Single Window (NSW) Secretariat, has began the electronic submission of maritime manifests by shipping lines, marking another milestone in the implementation of the NSW initiative aimed at modernising Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, the agency said.

To support the rollout, the Service on Tuesday held a sensitisation programme for Customs officers, shipping lines and other maritime stakeholders at the Apapa Area Command, reinforcing stakeholder readiness for the digital process.

Speaking at the event, the deputy comptroller-general of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said the commencement of electronic manifest submission builds on a series of engagements with stakeholders before and after the successful launch of Phase One of the National Single Window on March 27, 2026.

She described the platform as an internationally recognised trade facilitation tool that would improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in global commerce.

According to her, the country has already started reaping the benefits of the initiative.

“Since the introduction of the National Single Window, the country as a whole, not only the NCS, has begun to experience its benefits. Nigeria’s standing in international trade is improving, and the NCS remains committed to supporting the successful implementation of this initiative,” Adebakin said.

She explained that beyond enhancing revenue collection, the electronic platform would facilitate legitimate trade, improve data integrity and strengthen anti-smuggling efforts.

Adebakin assured stakeholders that the transition to electronic manifest submission would not alter the statutory responsibilities of the Customs Service.

“It is simply a more efficient and transparent method of submitting the same documents,” she added.

Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Mohammed Babandede, said stakeholder consultation remains central to the Service’s reform agenda, noting that industry players are always engaged before new policies and digital initiatives are introduced.

He emphasised the strategic importance of the sea manifest in cargo declaration and risk management.

“The sea manifest is central to cargo declaration and risk management. I urge shipping companies to submit compliant manifests promptly to support faster cargo clearance and efficient risk profiling,” Babandede said.

The National Coordinator of the National Single Window Project, Tola Fakolade, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its commitment to the implementation of the project, revealing that the platform has already recorded significant progress.

According to him, more than 100,000 licences and permits have been issued through the platform, while over 1,000 users have successfully registered.

In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, urged shipping companies, terminal operators and other stakeholders to sustain collaboration with the NCS and the NSW Secretariat to ensure seamless implementation of the electronic manifest system.

He said deeper collaboration would accelerate trade facilitation, improve compliance, enhance transparency and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a competitive global trading nation.