By Sandra Chukwunyere
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has expressed its support for the federal government’s commitment to implementing the National Single Window system to enhance trade facilitation and improve port operations in Nigeria.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum with NAGAFF members, the Director of the National Single Window Project, Mr. Tola Fakolade, acknowledged the challenges in cargo clearance at Nigerian ports. He noted that despite previous efforts with platforms such as ASYCUDA and NICIS 1 & 2, the process remains cumbersome due to repetitive documentation and prolonged clearance timelines.
Fakolade compared Nigeria’s port efficiency with neighboring countries such as Togo, Ghana, and the Republic of Benin, emphasizing that their ports operate more efficiently due to better technological integration. To address these concerns, he stated that President Bola Tinubu has mandated the implementation of the National Single Window, a system that has been successfully deployed in other African nations like Senegal and Kenya.
Explaining the functionality of the system, Fakolade stated that the Single Window would serve as a centralized digital platform where freight forwarders can upload all required documents once. The system will then automatically route the documents to the relevant agencies based on the Harmonized System (HS) code of the goods being cleared. Agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and other regulatory bodies will have access to the system to process approvals efficiently.
“The goal is to eliminate redundancy in documentation, reduce human interference, and minimize opportunities for bureaucratic bottlenecks,” Fakolade said. He added that the platform would also facilitate the application and processing of required permits, ensuring a seamless experience for importers and exporters.
Fakolade stressed the importance of collaboration with key agencies and industry players, stating that the success of the Single Window project hinges on active participation from stakeholders. He revealed that agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), and the Quarantine Service are actively engaged in the project to ensure seamless integration across regulatory bodies.
Recognizing the pivotal role of freight forwarders in cargo clearance, Fakolade solicited the support of NAGAFF as a strategic partner in the implementation process. He urged the association to assist in mobilizing its members for town hall meetings and sensitization programs across different regions to ensure a nationwide understanding of the initiative.
“We need the insights of freight forwarders because they experience these challenges firsthand. Their input will be crucial in shaping the final framework of the Single Window system,” he added.
The National President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Esizi, emphasized the importance of transparency and honest declarations in ensuring the success of the Single Window system. He called for collaboration among all stakeholders, including customs officials and importers.
“The National Single Window will be seamless only if we do honest declaration. Let the truth be told, it is only with honest declaration 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,” Esizi stated.
He further pledged NAGAFF’s commitment to supporting the initiative, promising to mobilize its members for participation in various aspects of the implementation.
“So, you are welcome. Like your first request, asking for NAGAFF to partner with you. I will tell you yes, we will. NAGAFF will mobilize these members as you organize them all across the country. That we will do,” Esizi affirmed.
He also assured Fakolade that NAGAFF would nominate members for the private sector consultative council, user acceptance testing, and pilot testing of the system.
