By Oluyinka Onigbinde
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime and trade facilitation ecosystem have identified differences in programming languages, weak early-stage stakeholder coordination, and inter-operability challenges as key factors affecting the effective implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project.
They argue that the use of different system architectures—particularly XML and JSON formats across key port community platforms is creating integration bottlenecks that could slow down seamless cargo clearance, unless urgently addressed through coordinated technical alignment.
A stakeholder who spoke anonymously explained that while the National Single Window platform, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) operate using XML-based structures, the Customs modernisation platform (B’Odogwu), used by shipping lines, is built on JSON architecture.
According to the source, this mismatch in data “language” is one of the biggest technical barriers to integration within the port community system. “The National Single Window is utilising XML language. B’Odogwu is using JSON. NPA is using XML language. NIMASA is using XML language,” the stakeholder disclosed further.
The stakeholder noted that the National Single Window requires more detailed and structured data exchange than existing systems, making interoperability more complex and dependent on high-level system integration.
He explained that the core challenge lies in converting JSON-based data used by shipping lines into XML formats required by the NSW platform, describing it as a major technical gap affecting seamless communication between systems. “The major challenge is the conversion of JSON language adopted by shipping lines to XML language adopted by the NSW,” he said.
The source further attributed the problem to inadequate early engagement with key port stakeholders before the selection and alignment of software standards for the project.
According to him, insufficient consultation during the design phase led to fragmented adoption of incompatible systems across agencies.
“The issue is due to a lack of initial stakeholders’ engagement with the port stakeholders in respect of software language adoption for seamless application and integration across board,” the stakeholder added.
He recommended a high-level technical engagement involving the NSW Secretariat, shipping lines, the Customs modernisation team, NPA, NIMASA, and other relevant agencies to harmonise standards and agree on a unified integration framework for implementation.
He said such a session would help resolve issues around adoption, adaptability, and system interoperability.
Speaking also to our correspondent recently, a transport and logistics expert, Dr. Segun Musa, dismissed the ongoing conversations around the proposed National Single Window initiative, describing it as incapable of addressing the fundamental bottlenecks in Nigeria’s cargo clearance process.
Musa argued that the current discussions around the National Single Window lacked practical depth, insisting that the real challenge within the Nigeria Customs Service remained the absence of a fully automated cargo clearance system.
“You see, when they are talking about single window, I laugh because single window is just another nomenclature. It has no significance in the clearing process,” he stated.
He maintained that unless Nigeria embraces full automation and eliminates excessive human interference in cargo clearance, initiatives such as the National Single Window would have little impact on reducing port congestion, cargo delays, and high trade costs.
But, reacting to the technical challenges and criticisms, the Director of the National Single Window Project, Mr. Tola Fakolade, detailed the platform’s operational progress, rolling out key achievements and ongoing technical integrations recorded during its initial eight-week rollout.
Fakolade revealed that the NSW team has been running parallel pilot testing with Grimaldi shipping line and is on the verge of conducting final, sweeping integration tests.
“We actually have been on the final test where we’re going to have all shipping lines,” Fakolade stated.
“Over 60 people will be doing the final test across all the shipping lines, and the expectation is that the test goes well. I don’t think we have significantly deviated from what we’ve committed in terms of our output.”
Addressing concerns over operational delays and demurrage that occurred during technical hitches in April, Fakolade explained that the NSW Secretariat engaged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, terminal operators, and shipping lines.
While an initial blanket waiver was considered, operators advised against it to prevent actors from taking advantage of the system.
Instead, a case-by-case relief framework was established. “They are open, that if importers or their agents can come and prove that their shipments were impacted by a single terminal proving the time, dates, and all required documentation, they will review it and apply some form of waiver, either reduced charges or relief.
That was a commitment by the shipping lines and terminal operators,” he said. We’re working to ensure remaining issues are completely resolved over the next two to four weeks,” he concluded.
