The Director of the Nigeria National Single Window (NSW) Project, Tola Fakolade, has clarified that the platform is not designed to replace government agencies involved in trade facilitation, but to integrate their processes in order to eliminate duplication and enhance efficiency across Nigeria’s ports.
Fakolade made the clarification ahead of the official launch of the National Single Window scheduled for March 27, 2026.
He explained that the system would ensure that once a cargo release is issued by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), it would already incorporate the risk assessment and compliance requirements of other port-related regulatory agencies.
According to him, relevant trade agencies were involved from the early stages of the project, with each organisation nominating technical representatives who contributed to the design and development of the platform.
Fakolade noted that the development process has already helped to identify and eliminate several duplicated procedures that previously slowed down cargo clearance and added little value to port operations.
He also disclosed that extensive training programmes have been ongoing for over a month for key end-users, including importers, exporters, freight forwarders and officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
He explained that the training sessions are being conducted physically at designated centres that accommodate between 30 and 50 participants per session, while additional explanatory videos and learning resources have been made available online to support users.
Fakolade further clarified that the National Single Window would operate alongside the B’Odogwu Customs Management System, noting that both platforms are designed to complement each other.
According to him, while the B’Odogwu system manages core Customs operations such as valuation and risk management, the National Single Window will function as the single-entry portal where traders can submit documents and apply for approvals from multiple regulatory agencies.
He added that when the platform becomes operational, the initial services will include applications for import licences, certificates and permits for agencies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
The system will also allow shipping lines and airlines to submit cargo manifests through the same platform.
Meanwhile, the Vice President (Seaports) of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Princess Chi Ezeh, commended the committee driving the National Single Window project for recognising freight forwarders as critical stakeholders in the reform initiative aimed at improving trade facilitation in Nigeria.
Ezeh said the decision to engage freight forwarders during the awareness and consultation stages of the project demonstrates that the implementation team understands the strategic role operators play in the country’s port and logistics ecosystem.
She added that during the engagement sessions, freight forwarders were able to highlight several operational challenges they encounter at the ports, which the project team assured would be addressed.
While expressing optimism ahead of the planned launch, she urged the implementation team to ensure that the system is properly structured to enhance trade facilitation rather than introduce additional delays in cargo clearance processes.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Tincan Island Chapter, Alhaji Akeem Ayobiojo, assured that freight forwarders would play their part in ensuring the success of the initiative.
Ayobiojo stated that operators would support the system by submitting accurate documentation and complying with the required procedures.
He emphasised that transparency and professionalism from freight forwarders are essential to achieving the project’s objective of reducing cost, saving time and improving efficiency in Nigeria’s port operations.
