Single Window Launch: Shippers’ Council, Revenue Service Seek Waivers For Importers

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) have urged shipping companies and terminal operators to grant waivers to importers and clearing agents affected by delays linked to the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) at the nation’s seaports.

The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the NSC headquarters in Lagos, bringing together representatives of the Council, NRS, NSW Secretariat, terminal operators, and shipping companies to review the progress and challenges of the newly introduced system.

Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, acknowledged that while the National Single Window initiative marks a major milestone for the maritime industry, its rollout has been accompanied by initial operational challenges impacting cargo clearance timelines.

He noted that the system, which went live on March 27, represents a long-awaited reform aimed at streamlining port processes, enhancing transparency, and improving efficiency across the sector.

According to him, “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.”

Akutah explained that the engagement was convened at the instance of the NSW Secretariat to assess ongoing implementation efforts and find practical solutions to emerging bottlenecks, particularly those affecting cargo movement and clearance.

“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,” the ES stated.

He stressed the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, describing the port ecosystem as a “family” that must work together to overcome transitional challenges and sustain the gains of the reform.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zach Adedeji, urged shipping companies and terminal operators to show understanding by granting waivers on demurrage and storage charges incurred during the delay period.

Adedeji said such relief measures would cushion the financial burden on importers and clearing agents who have been adversely affected by system-related disruptions beyond their control.

“Anywhere in the world, when there are changes, there are hitches and when there are things not part of business, people discuss for solutions and I want us to work together to resolve it.”

“There have been some single window induced delays and that has led to delays innthe clearance of cargoes. That is why we are here to seek your support while we are passing through this innitial stage, we can get your suport,” he stated.

“But, Shipping Companies and Terminal operators have said if truly the delays are related to single window, they have internal process of discounting, giving the waiver, and beyond that, they are there to support us on all what is needed to make this program a successful program, because they all see the benefits of that,” Adedeji stated.

He added that new initiatives or policies often come with initial challenges, which necessitated the meeting with terminal operators and shipping companies.

The NSC boss further called on concessionaires and terminal operators to accelerate the automation of their operations, noting that seamless integration with the National Single Window is critical to achieving the intended efficiency gains.

“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.

Industry stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged the benefits of the Single Window initiative but expressed concerns over delays and technical issues that have slowed cargo clearance since its rollout.

The National Single Window is expected to serve as a unified digital platform for processing trade-related documentation, reducing human interface, cutting costs, and improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business.

Despite the current challenges, stakeholders expressed confidence that, with sustained collaboration, system upgrades, and temporary relief measures such as waivers, the initiative would ultimately deliver long-term benefits to the maritime sector and the broader economy.

Responding, shipping companies said the National Single Window is a project that would benefit everyone but should not be used to encourage inefficiencies.

Speaking, the General Manager, Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), Tunde Keshinro, said there are importers who are efficient, adding that cases with genuine need for waivers would be considered.

“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.