The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced the electronic submission of maritime cargo manifests under the National Single Window project, marking another step towards faster cargo clearance, greater transparency and improved trade facilitation at the nation’s seaports.
The NCS, in collaboration with the National Single Window Secretariat, announced the rollout during a sensitisation programme for Customs officers, shipping companies and other maritime stakeholders at the Apapa Area Command on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said the initiative followed the successful rollout of the first phase of the National Single Window on 27 March 2026.
She said the platform was already delivering tangible benefits, strengthening Nigeria’s position in global trade and reinforcing the country’s drive towards a more efficient trading environment.
“Since the introduction of the National Single Window, the country as a whole, not only the Nigeria Customs Service, has begun to experience its benefits. Nigeria’s standing in international trade is improving, and the NCS remains committed to supporting the successful implementation of this initiative,” Adebakin said.
She explained that while the electronic submission of maritime manifests would not alter the statutory responsibilities of the Customs Service, it would simplify and modernise the submission of trade documents, making the process more efficient and transparent.
According to her, the platform will also improve data quality, strengthen anti-smuggling operations, enhance trade facilitation and support revenue generation.
Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘A’, Mohammed Babandede, urged shipping companies to ensure the timely submission of compliant manifests, describing the sea manifest as a vital tool for cargo declaration and risk management.
“The sea manifest is central to cargo declaration and risk management. I urge shipping companies to submit compliant manifests promptly to support faster cargo clearance and efficient risk profiling,” he said.
The National Coordinator of the National Single Window Project, Tola Fakolade, disclosed that the platform had issued more than 100,000 licences and permits, while over 1,000 users had registered since its launch.
He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its support in implementing the project and expressed confidence that the platform would continue to transform Nigeria’s trade ecosystem by streamlining processes and boosting efficiency.