The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) has pledged its readiness and full support for the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project scheduled to commence in March 2026.
An official statement signed by the National President of the Council, Chief Ifeanyi Anakweze which was made available to our correspondent, disclosed that the Council has commenced strategic mobilisation and sensitisation of its members across various zones in anticipation of the official take-off. The council, which comprises mostly Managing Directors of licensed customs agencies, described the National Single Window as a one-stop-shop platform in freight forwarding operations that has the capacity to reduce cargo clearance time to 48 hours if all stakeholders perform their roles without encumbrances.
According to the statement, the digital platform will eliminate person-to-person contact in cargo processing procedures, thereby reducing corruption and promoting transparency within the system. The association noted that these incentives form part of the expected benefits the National Single Window programme would bring to industry operators.
The council further disclosed that its members have participated in stakeholder engagement sessions, training programmes and sensitisation workshops organised since the introduction of the project across the zones. These efforts, it stated, were aimed at preparing members adequately for seamless integration into the new system.
While acknowledging possible challenges such as portal functionality, network stability and sabotage concerns, the association expressed confidence that the promoters of the project would address such issues effectively.
The NCMDLCA therefore called on freight forwarders and its entire membership nationwide to embrace the initiative, stressing that the project would facilitate trade and significantly enhance cargo clearance efficiency at the nation’s ports.
