‘Poor Implementation Threatens National Single Window Ahead Of March 27 Rollout’

As Nigeria prepares for the planned rollout of the National Single Window (NSW) on March 27, 2026, the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) has called on the federal government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that all necessary structures are in place for Nigerians to fully benefit from the initiative.

The group at the weekend said that while the National Single Window represents a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s trade processes, improving transparency and enhancing operational efficiency at the nation’s ports, its implementation must be carefully structured to avoid disruptions.

According to the president of SCAN, Moses Ebosele, the initiative has the potential to simplify documentation processes, reduce cargo clearance time, and strengthen coordination among government agencies involved in international trade.

Ebosele, however, noted that the success of such a transformative platform depends largely on adequate preparation, strong institutional coordination and proper integration of stakeholders.

“The introduction of the National Single Window is a welcome development and a major reform capable of improving Nigeria’s trade competitiveness. However, it is important that the NSW Secretariat ensures that all operational, technical and institutional frameworks are properly established before the official rollout,” he said.

He stressed that port users, freight forwarders, shipping companies, terminal operators and regulatory agencies must be adequately prepared and properly integrated into the system to prevent confusion, delays or disruptions in cargo clearance processes once the platform goes live.

The SCAN president also urged the National Single Window Secretariat to intensify engagement with industry stakeholders and ensure that adequate testing, training, and system integration are completed before the launch date.

“A reform of this magnitude requires robust infrastructure, seamless inter-agency connectivity and adequate sensitisation of stakeholders. Rushing the rollout without ensuring that all components of the system are fully operational could create avoidable challenges for port users and the wider trading community,” he added.

Ebosele emphasised that the maritime industry remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, noting that any reform affecting port operations must be implemented in a manner that guarantees efficiency, stability and ease of doing business.

He therefore urged the federal government and key agencies within the maritime and trade ecosystem to work closely with the NSW Secretariat to ensure the initiative is implemented smoothly, transparently, and successfully.

The SCAN President also called on the federal government to deploy more personnel, especially industry stakeholders to the NSW Secretariat as part of measures to ensure a smooth take-off of the platform on March 27, 2026.

He further urged the government to roll out broader and more robust stakeholder engagement, noting that the current level of consultation remains insufficient for a strategic project of such national importance.

Ebosele reaffirmed SCAN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote transparency, trade facilitation and sustainable growth within Nigeria’s maritime sector and the broader economy