Former Acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Kayode Farinto, has called on the Federal Government (FG) to urgently suspend the newly introduced National Single Window system, warning that its implementation has severely disrupted port operations and trade activities nationwide.
Speaking in an interview, Farinto expressed deep concern over the system’s performance since its rollout on March 27, noting that stakeholders have been unable to carry out cargo declarations—one of the most critical processes in port operations.
He acknowledged that new systems typically experience initial glitches but stressed that the current situation goes far beyond minor challenges.
“Ordinarily, when a new system is introduced, we expect some glitches. But what we are experiencing now is a complete shutdown. Since March 27, cargo declarations have been impossible. This is very unfortunate,” he said.
Farinto described the situation as a full-scale crisis, with cargoes piling up at ports while importers face mounting demurrage and storage costs.
According to him, businesses are already feeling the impact, as operational delays continue to worsen the financial burden on importers.
“Cargoes are trapped at the ports. Demurrage and storage charges are rising daily, and businesses are suffering. This is clearly a crisis,” he added.
He further alleged that some service providers and agencies are exploiting the situation by increasing charges, thereby compounding the difficulties faced by importers.
The maritime expert attributed the crisis to inadequate planning and poor stakeholder engagement prior to the system’s rollout. He argued that key players, including shipping companies and terminal operators, were not properly integrated into the implementation process.
“These are fundamental issues that should have been resolved before launching a system of this magnitude. Instead, the system has broken down, and authorities are now scrambling for solutions,” he said.
Farinto also raised concerns about the ability of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to effectively address the crisis, particularly in enforcing compliance among international shipping companies.
“Shippers’ Council cannot compel shipping lines. What was needed was thorough consultation and collaboration before rollout—not after the system has already failed,” he noted.
Describing the situation as a “total collapse of the industry,” Farinto warned that the disruption in port operations is already impacting the broader economy.
“This is a national emergency. Port activities are at a standstill, and the economy is being affected. Urgent action is required,” he said.
He estimated that losses since the system’s introduction have run into hundreds of millions of naira, with the risk of further escalation if immediate corrective measures are not taken.
As a solution, Farinto advocated a temporary return to the previous system while the government addresses the technical and operational challenges affecting the Single Window platform.
“The system should be suspended immediately, and operations should revert to the old process. The government can fix the loopholes and reintroduce it properly, possibly next quarter. What matters is protecting the national interest,” he advised.
He also emphasized the need for a robust legal framework to support the initiative, noting that the absence of such backing has contributed to the current challenges.
Calling for urgent intervention, Farinto appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly to prevent further economic losses and restore confidence in the system.
“Mr. President should intervene. This is a well-intentioned project, but it is not working at the moment. It should be suspended and properly re-strategised,” he said.
The National Single Window initiative, designed to streamline trade processes through a unified digital platform, has come under intense scrutiny following its troubled rollout, with stakeholders urging the government to take decisive steps to restore normalcy at the nation’s ports.
