Unaddressed NSW Gaps May Pose Risks to Importers and the Wider Economy

Stakeholders have cautioned that lingering structural flaws and poor inter-agency coordination could expose importers and the broader economy to significant losses, warning that these challenges may undermine the effective rollout of the National Single Window (NSW).

The concerns were raised on Wednesday in Lagos at the 10th annual seminar for maritime journalists and the unveiling of the Centre for Maritime Media and Capacity Development. The event, organised by First Mediacon Network Limited in collaboration with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, was themed “A decade of collaboration for impact: Strengthening maritime journalism for the future.”

Participants expressed fears that the NSW, slated to commence operations in 2026 to simplify port procedures, could face serious setbacks if the current overlap of regulatory interfaces is not addressed. Speaking at the forum, the National Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Segun Oduntan, noted that despite the NSW framework, operators still navigate multiple platforms operated by different government agencies, alongside internal systems covering enforcement, scanning, gate operations and cargo clearance.

Oduntan, represented by ANLCA’s Senior Special Adviser on Media, Suleiman Ayokunle, recalled earlier digital platform launches by regulatory agencies, which initially resulted in severe disruptions, including a near-total halt in cargo evacuation for about three weeks. While acknowledging that such challenges are common with technology-driven reforms, he warned that without proper management, the economic impact could be far-reaching.

He further highlighted the financial consequences of regulatory overlaps, citing recurring disputes between the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Maritime Police. According to him, unless the NSW successfully harmonises agency roles and procedures, such losses could persist and erode the efficiencies the system is designed to deliver. Oduntan expressed optimism that the NSW would follow global best practices, offering a truly integrated platform that reduces delays, lowers costs and resolves long-standing inter-agency frictions at the ports.

Adding to the discussion, a former acting Vice President of ANLCA, Kayode Farinto, said previous digital transitions in the maritime sector had come at a high cost. He recalled instances where connectivity failures delayed declarations and even properly submitted documents were not recognised by new systems.

Farinto also drew attention to additional charges imposed by regulatory agencies, pointing to examination fees demanded by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria despite importers holding valid conformity certificates. He said such fees, ranging from N3,000 to N7,000 per container, discourage trade and promote avoidance practices. He further criticised police interventions in cleared cargo, warning that excessive or arbitrary enforcement could fuel extortion and weaken trade facilitation.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akutah, said the increasing complexity of the maritime sector—driven by digitalisation, evolving trade dynamics, regulatory reforms and global logistics changes—requires a more adaptive and informed media. Represented by the council’s Director of Special Duties, Moses Abere, Akutah reaffirmed the council’s commitment to efficiency, transparency and competitiveness as the port economic regulator.

He described the event’s theme as a reflection of the importance of collaboration in building a stronger maritime industry, noting that maritime journalists have long played a critical role in highlighting sectoral challenges and opportunities. He added that the council views the media as vital partners in informing stakeholders, shaping public perception and strengthening accountability.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of First Mediacon Network Limited, Sesan Onileimo, said maritime journalists must continually upgrade their skills amid the pressures of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and social media. He explained that the newly launched centre was created to help journalists remain relevant and competitive, regardless of their level of experience on the maritime beat.

Onileimo added that the centre is open to partnerships with corporate stakeholders committed to collaboration and capacity building for the benefit of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

The National Single Window is a trade facilitation platform designed to allow importers, exporters and other stakeholders to submit standardised trade information and documentation through a single electronic portal to meet all regulatory requirements for the movement of goods.