Single Window Rollout Crippling Port Operations, Clearing Agent Cries Out

Former acting national president of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Dr Kayode Farinto, has called on the Federal Government to urgently suspend the newly introduced National Single Window system, warning that its rollout has crippled port operations and severely disrupted trade activities nationwide.

Speaking in an interview with LEADERSHIP, Farinto expressed deep frustration over the system’s performance since its launch on March 27, noting that stakeholders have been unable to carry out cargo declarations, one of the most critical processes in port operations.

“Ordinarily, when a new system is introduced, we expect some glitches. But what we are experiencing now goes beyond that, it is a total blockage. Since March 27, we have been unable to make any declarations. This is very unfortunate,” he said.

He described the situation as a full-blown crisis, with cargoes piling up at ports while importers continue to incur heavy demurrage and storage charges.

“People’s cargoes are trapped. Demurrage is accumulating, storage charges are increasing, and businesses are suffering. This is clearly a state of crisis,” Farinto stressed.

The maritime expert further alleged that some agencies and service providers are exploiting the situation by increasing their charges, compounding the burden on already strained importers.

Farinto attributed the crisis to inadequate planning and poor stakeholder engagement prior to the system’s rollout, arguing that key players such as shipping companies and terminal operators were not properly integrated into the process.

“These are issues that should have been addressed before the takeoff. You don’t roll out a system of this magnitude without proper alignment with stakeholders. Now the system is down, and authorities are looking for solutions after the fact,” he said.

Describing the situation as a “total collapse of the industry,” Farinto warned that the paralysis in port operations is already taking a toll on the economy.

“This is a national emergency. The economy is at a standstill because port activities are blocked. Urgent decisions must be taken. There is no time for delays,” he said.

He estimated that losses since the system’s introduction have run into hundreds of millions of naira, with the risk of further escalation if immediate corrective action is not taken.

To address the crisis, Farinto advocated a temporary return to the previous system while the government resolved the challenges affecting the Single Window platform.

“They should suspend it immediately and revert to the old system. Let them fix the loopholes and reintroduce it properly, possibly next quarter. There is no shame in admitting challenges, what matters is protecting the national interest,” he advised.

He also reiterated the need for a strong legal framework to support the initiative, noting that the absence of such backing has contributed to the current challenges.

Calling for urgent presidential intervention, Farinto urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly to prevent further economic losses and restore confidence in the system.

“Mr. President should intervene. The government has invested heavily in this project. It is a good initiative, but at the moment, it is not working. It should be suspended and properly re-strategised,” he said.

The National Single Window initiative, designed to streamline trade processes through a unified digital platform, has come under intense scrutiny following its troubled rollout, with stakeholders urging the government to take decisive steps to restore normalcy at the nation’s ports.