Ayopade Omolale (Lagos State Coordinator, IMAN)
Yes, I’m optimistic about the National Single Window project. If properly implemented, it has the potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s trade ecosystem. The platform will serve as a centralized digital hub where all stakeholders — including importers, exporters, customs officers, and other government agencies can process trade-related documentation seamlessly. By integrating multiple processes into one unified system, the project will drastically reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, eliminate unnecessary delays, and minimize human interference that often breeds inefficiency and corruption. Ultimately, the National Single Window will enhance the ease of doing business, lower transaction costs, and position Nigeria as a more competitive player in regional and global trade.
Frank Obiekezie (National Secretary, AREFFN)
I was at Oriental Hotel last week for a stakeholders’ sensitisation on this project. On paper, it is a laudable venture, but about implementation, I have my doubts. I didn’t have the opportunity to make my own contributions there, even though I tried to do so. If I had the opportunity, I would have suggested that the economy be segmented for purposes of this roll out. A global roll out of this project at once will cripple the economy, going by the B’Odogwu experience. My suggestion would have been for them to select some key players, such as Customs, Shipping Companies and Terminal Operators and start with them. Currently, most shipping companies and agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, etc claim to do a lot of their transactions online, but it is not working. Most of the time, you still have to visit their offices to get things done. A National Single Window cannot work now because the ground is not fully prepared. A National Single Window will heavily depend on internet connectivity, which can only happen when our Information Technology backbone is fully-developed. Again, one would have also asked to know why this project was domiciled in the FIRS, unless it is another tax trap.
Rev. Nicodemus Odolo (President, Shippers Association of Lagos State)
Yes, I am optimistic about the National Single Window (NSW) project because it has the potential to greatly enhance trade efficiency and transparency across Nigeria’s ports. However, the level of sensitisation and awareness among stakeholders is still inadequate at the moment. Many players in the maritime and trade sectors including importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and terminal operators do not yet have a full grasp of how the system will work or how it will impact their operations. For the project to succeed, there must be more extensive stakeholder engagement, training sessions, and sensitisation meetings to ensure that everyone understands the processes, benefits, and technical requirements involved. This will not only promote smoother implementation, but also encourage stakeholders’ buy-in and reduce resistance.
Sir John Oforbike (ANLCA Chieftain)
Corruption is the monster that kills all the policies of government, until the government is ready to tackle corruption, nothing will succeed as far as corruption is concerned. When the government introduced designation inspections onto the system, everyone was happy; at least we said corruption was over, but that is when the corruption was multiplied to the highest level. If we don’t kill corruption, our country will be no more in time to come. And until the government takes a decisive measure against corruption nothing will ever work in this country.
Taiwo Fatomilola (National PRO AREFFN)
A lot of seminars have been taken concerning the single window in high profile places just to sensitise the concerned general stakeholders in large numbers. Much money has been spent. How would customs defend the expenses involved if it is not going to work? It must work for the money spent to be justified to the ministry of finance and blue economy ministry as well.
Babatunde Mukaila (Immediate Past National Secretary, ANLCA)
It’s truly a welcome development, and I’m enthusiastic about its potential to transform operations within Nigeria’s ports. If effectively implemented, this initiative will go a long way in improving ease of doing business by streamlining processes, reducing delays, and fostering greater coordination among key stakeholders. For too long, importers, exporters, and other port users have faced challenges arising from bureaucratic bottlenecks, overlapping functions of government agencies, and inefficient documentation procedures. This new system offers a timely opportunity to address those concerns by promoting transparency, reducing physical contact, and leveraging technology to make trade processes faster and more predictable.
Humphrey Okwuosa (Apapa Chapter Secretary, NCMDLCA)
It is a very good system approved by the World Customs Organisation of which our present Comptroller General of Customs is the chairperson. But I am afraid Customs will not allow it to take off fully because it will drastically reduce human interface in the operational system. It will also reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and corruption in the system.
Mr. Ike Nwagbo (Shippers Association of Lagos State)
Yes, of course, but that depends largely on the kind of technology the government deploys. For the National Single Window project to achieve its objectives, it must be hosted on a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly digital platform. The government needs to invest in a robust application and portal that can handle high volumes of transactions seamlessly without constant system downtime or technical glitches. We have seen the challenges currently associated with the B’Odogwu Customs processing portal — issues such as slow response time, frequent system failures, and poor user experience have affected smooth operations. To avoid a repeat of such setbacks, the National Single Window must be designed with modern infrastructure, real-time data integration, and adequate technical support. If the government can ensure a well-built, secure, and transparent digital platform, then the system will truly simplify trade procedures, enhance efficiency, and restore stakeholders’ confidence in the process.
