National Single Window Not Meant To Replace Govt Agencies, Says Director

Ahead of March 27 launch of National Single Window (NSW) scheme, the director of the project, Tola Fakolade, has said that the platform will not replace any government agency involved in trade facilitation but will instead integrate their processes to eliminate duplication and improve efficiency.

According to him, the system is designed to ensure that once a release is issued by the Nigeria Customs Service, it would already reflect the risk assessment and compliance requirements of other port-related regulatory agencies.

He noted that key trade agencies were involved from the early stages of the project, with each nominating technical representatives who contributed to the development of the platform.

Fakolade explained that the system has already identified and addressed several duplicated processes that previously slowed cargo clearance and added no value to port operations.

He also disclosed that extensive training has been ongoing for over a month for end-users including importers, exporters, freight forwarders and officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

The director added that training sessions are being conducted physically at designated centres that accommodate between 30 and 50 participants, while additional learning resources and explanatory videos have been made available online.

He further clarified that the NSW will operate alongside the B’Odogwu Customs Management System, describing the two platforms as complementary.

“The B’Odogwu system handles core Customs processes such as valuation and risk management, while the National Single Window serves as the single-entry portal for traders to submit documents and applications for approvals,” he said.

Fakolade added that when the platform goes live on March 27, 2026, initial services will include applications for import licences, certificates and permits for agencies such as Standards Organisation of Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, as well as manifest submissions by shipping lines and airlines.

The vice president (Seaports), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Princess Chi Ezeh, commended the committee driving the NSW Nigeria for recognising freight forwarders as critical stakeholders in the reform initiative aimed at improving trade facilitation in the country.