Pius Ujubonu (ANLCA Chieftain)
They need the infrastructure, the manpower to power it and most importantly, the political will to drive it, because most of the officers still want to encourage the human interface. As much as we talk about the system here separately, yet they still need to work hard to ensure that the personnel are encouraged. Single window is a system where customs, shipping company, terminals, and other agencies certifies and release the cargo.
Stanley Ezenga (General Secretary, Western Zone NAGAFF)
I have no doubt in my mind that the system is going to work this time. We have been clamoring over the years that let there be a platform where all the operations in the maritime industry will be done at once. I believe this single window platform is going to work because the current CGC is among those that attended the course of single window during the time of Dikko Inde as the CGC. So he is there. He is the top grade officer who understands the nitty-gritty of this single window and the desired effect he’s going to have on the maritime industry operation. So having been in the forefront of this single window, even when he was a junior ranking officer, now that he’s at the helm of the affairs, I’m sure he will bring it to fruition. I have no doubt in my mind that this time, this single window platform will work.
Festus Ukwu (National Secretary, NCMDLCA)
I actually don’t like to predict government policies because of inconsistencies and policy summersault that exists. However it is obvious that the present Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi is a career officer and if given the opportunity, he will do the best for the service.
Taiwo Fatomilola (National PRO AREFFN)
I hope they will fully implement it this year, because the Customs have a new boss who is committed to the welfare of customers. However, the customs might not want it to succeed because if they should do it, exorbitant and higher rate of taxes and duties that are posted on most of the imported goods may not make them to meet up their standard. So, they will do something that will work for them. That is the way I just see it. But if they can implement it, that will be the best.
Anthony Onyike (National Vice President, NAFFAC)
Single window has been subject of discussion within the maritime circle for years now and I believe the government has been planning for it. I think corruption is the bane of its implementation. Government agencies and the Customs do not want it to be in place because if it happens, there will be very minimal human contact during cargo clearance. They know that if you do everything online, the Customs and other government agencies alike will no longer make illegal money, hence the delay in implementing the single window. We just hope that it works out this year.
Frank Obiekezie (National Secretary, AREFFN)
Speaking on the single window, there is nothing new to say about it. It’s a proposal and it has been on for a long time. If we implement it now, it will be greatly welcome. It’s what everybody has been clamoring for. The single window is expected to be a platform where everybody will be on the same page at the same time. If it is implemented, so be it. We need it. It has a lot of advantages and, you know, it aids the processes. So, I don’t have much on that. We hope that they implement it this year and we would be glad if they do.
Sir John Oforbike (ANLCA Chieftain)
Are the people who are going to lead the single window coming from heaven? Every leader comes with a new system but the operatives are the ones who spoil everything; putting clogs in the wheel of progress. Let’s us continue to hope that the Single window will be implemented this year.
