As Nigeria prepares for the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW), the Director of the NSW Project, Mr. Tola Fakolade has assured freight forwarders that the system is designed to enhance their operations rather than replace them, emphasizing that technology will streamline processes while maintaining the crucial role of experienced professionals.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum with members of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) on Tuesday at the association headquarters in Lagos, Fakolade emphasized that technology is transforming every profession, but it does not eliminate the need for expertise and experience. Drawing parallels with other industries, he noted that doctors and teachers use technology to enhance their work, yet their professional knowledge remains indispensable.
Fakolade pointed out that many freight forwarders struggle with documentation errors, which can cause costly delays for importers. According to him, the NSW is expected to streamline processes and reduce such mistakes, ultimately increasing efficiency and boosting business for professionals who understand the system.
Addressing fears that the NSW will open access to unqualified individuals, including foreign players, Fakolade clarified that the system has regulatory controls. He assured freight forwarders that access would be restricted to certified professionals approved by the relevant associations.
Fakolade also stressed the need for a gradual rollout of the system to ensure its infrastructure can handle the expected demand without disruptions. He highlighted that efficient cargo clearance through the NSW would attract more investments into Nigeria, leading to an increase in container turnover and, consequently, more business opportunities for freight forwarders.
“That doesn’t mean that if I have access to the technology used in the health sector, I can be a doctor, because there is the expertise and experience that is involved in the end-to-end process. What we are doing is introducing technology to help facilitate what you do today. If I bring forward a licensed customs agent with the right expertise and a detailed knowledge of the process, that person will do a better job and will likely have better business than someone who has not taken the time to understand proper documentation,” he added.
“The Asians or anyone else will not have access unless they are certified and registered on the system. There is regulatory control, and qualification is required before one can participate. Not everyone can enter an operating theatre; you have to be qualified.
“When Nigerian ports become efficient enough to clear goods in two to three days, it will signal to the global investment community that doing business here is easier. More companies will be attracted, leading to more containers and, in turn, more work for freight forwarders. Faster clearance times mean higher turnover, more frequency, and ultimately greater revenue,” Fakolade explained.
On his part, The National President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Esizi, emphasized that the success of the NSW depends on honest declarations from all stakeholders, including importers and customs agents. Without transparency, he warned, the system may not function as seamlessly as intended.
Chief Ezisi also tasked the NSW team to also sensitize other relevant stakeholders including the Nigerian Customs Service and other relevant government agencies on the importance of the initiative ensuring that they remove all bottlenecks.
The National President further pledged NAGAFF’s commitment to supporting the initiative, promising to mobilize its members for participation in various aspects of the implementation.
“The National Single Window will be seamless, only if we do an honest declaration. Let the truth be told, it is only with honest declaration that the Single Window will be seamless. So, while you are talking to us, take it back to the importers, take it back to Customs too. Customs need to understand that. There are so many bottlenecks, such as network issues and multiple alerts. I don’t know if you people have a way of addressing that, because we always have that problem in the ports”, Esizi stated.
