The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) have appealed to shipping companies and terminal operators to grant waivers to importers and clearing agents affected by delays arising from the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) at the nation’s seaports.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the NSC headquarters in Lagos on Friday, bringing together representatives of the Council, NRS, the NSW Secretariat, terminal operators, and shipping companies to assess progress and address challenges associated with the new system.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Akutah Pius, acknowledged that while the National Single Window marks a significant milestone for the maritime industry, its rollout has been accompanied by initial operational challenges affecting cargo clearance timelines.
He explained that the system, which became operational on March 27, 2026, is a long-awaited reform designed to streamline port processes, improve transparency, and boost efficiency across the sector.
“The National Single Window is a significant development that has brought optimism to stakeholders. However, like any major reform, it comes with teething problems that must be collectively addressed to ensure seamless implementation,” he said.
Akutah noted that the engagement, convened at the instance of the NSW Secretariat, was aimed at reviewing implementation efforts and identifying practical solutions to bottlenecks, particularly those affecting cargo movement and clearance.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, describing the port ecosystem as a “family” that must work together to overcome transitional challenges and sustain the gains of the reform.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NRS, Zach Adedeji, urged shipping companies and terminal operators to show understanding by granting waivers on demurrage and storage charges incurred during the delay period.
According to him, such relief measures would help cushion the financial burden on importers and clearing agents impacted by disruptions beyond their control.
“Anywhere in the world, when there are changes, there are hitches. We must work together to resolve them,” he said, adding that stakeholders had acknowledged delays linked to the Single Window, which have slowed cargo clearance.
Adedeji, however, noted that shipping companies and terminal operators indicated willingness to provide waivers where delays are confirmed to be linked to the new system, in line with their internal processes.
He added that the meeting became necessary given the typical challenges that accompany new policy implementations, while reiterating the need for collective support to ensure the success of the initiative.
The NSC boss further called on concessionaires and terminal operators to accelerate automation of their operations, noting that seamless integration with the National Single Window is critical to achieving its intended efficiency gains.
“With the advent of the National Single Window, full automation has become even more crucial. Stakeholders must fast-track digital integration to ensure smoother processes,” he said.
Industry stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged the benefits of the initiative but raised concerns over technical issues and delays that have affected cargo clearance since its rollout.
The National Single Window is expected to function as a unified digital platform for processing trade documentation, reducing human interface, cutting costs, and improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business.
Despite the current challenges, stakeholders expressed confidence that with sustained collaboration, system upgrades, and temporary relief measures such as waivers, the initiative would deliver long-term benefits to the maritime sector and the broader economy.
Responding on behalf of operators, the General Manager of Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited, Tunde Keshinro, said while the initiative would benefit all stakeholders, it should not be used to encourage inefficiency.
“It’s a national project that will benefit everyone. There are importers that are efficient, and those with genuine needs would be attended to, but we must not encourage inefficiencies.”
