The Federal Government has announced the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) system, a transformative initiative aimed at reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports by at least 25%.
The move is expected to streamline trade processes, enhance efficiency, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in global trade.
Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, disclosed this during a Stakeholders’ Forum on the establishment of the NSW in Lagos.
He emphasiSed that the NSW system will simplify trade operations by enabling stakeholders to coordinate trade-related transactions across multiple government agencies through a unified electronic platform.
“The National Single Window is a game-changer for trade facilitation in Nigeria. It eliminates redundancies, reduces processing times, and ensures seamless coordination among government agencies and private sector actors. This digital transformation is the bedrock for efficiency and competitiveness in global trade,” Oyetola stated.
The Minister explained that the NSW aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes modernisation, efficiency, and economic prosperity.
He added that the system, alongside the Port Community System (PCS) led by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), marks a pivotal step toward modernising Nigeria’s trade processes and maximizing the potential of its marine resources.
Oyetola highlighted the government’s efforts to improve multimodal connectivity by enhancing road, rail, and inland waterway links to and from ports. These improvements are designed to reduce transportation costs, enhance logistics, and boost trade.
He also noted significant achievements in port operations, including the clearance of the long-standing Apapa–Tincan–Mile 2 traffic gridlock and the provision of essential marine equipment such as tugboats, mooring boats, and pilot cutters.
“These efforts have reduced vessel turnaround time from an average of 7 days to 5 days and truck turnaround time from 10 days to a few hours. However, our ultimate goal is to make Nigeria the maritime hub of West Africa,” Oyetola said.
The Minister revealed plans to revamp ageing port facilities, starting with Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports as pilot projects.
He also emphasised the importance of private-sector participation in developing greenfield ports and other infrastructure projects.
Additionally, the NPA has acquired two state-of-the-art tugboats and plans to procure more marine crafts to boost operational efficiency.
Oyetola outlined strategic initiatives to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector, including the establishment of a National Flag Carrier through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
This initiative aims to generate employment, enhance the sector’s contribution to GDP, and provide new revenue streams for the government.
He also confirmed that arrangements for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) are being finalised to support the development of the shipping sector.
“The marine and blue economy holds immense potential to contribute significantly to our GDP, create thousands of jobs, and drive regional and global trade. However, inefficiencies in port operations, bureaucratic obstacles, and insufficient coordination among stakeholders have impeded its growth. The NSW system is poised to address these challenges,” Oyetola stressed.
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), emphasised the importance of the NSW in interconnecting all stakeholders involved in foreign trade.
He explained that the system provides a comprehensive online platform for importers, exporters, commercial banks, carriers, Customs, and other government agencies to perform trade operations seamlessly.
“The NSW is a global best practice for trade facilitation, enabling the electronic exchange of information for over 500 million TEU movements and billions of tonnes of cargo annually. Its implementation is pivotal to deepening the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and ensuring greater benefits for Nigerians from global trade,” Dantsoho said.
He noted that the NPA has been proactive in embracing ICT technologies, including the Port Community System (PCS), which aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic.
Dantsoho reiterated the NPA’s vision to position Nigeria as the transshipment hub of West Africa, leveraging its strategic location, large population, and vast market potential.
He highlighted ongoing port modernisation projects aimed at bridging infrastructure gaps and ensuring competitiveness with regional counterparts.
“Our mission is to make Nigerian ports the leading transshipment hub in Africa and a transit point for landlocked countries. With 16 of the world’s 44 landlocked countries located in Africa, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to play a central role in regional trade,” Dantsoho said.
The NPA boss acknowledged the complexity of implementing the PCS but reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to achieving seamless data availability, enhanced transparency, and operational efficiency.
He expressed confidence that the NSW and PCS initiatives will transform Nigeria’s trade landscape, driving economic growth and solidifying its position as a key player in global maritime trade.
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