MAJAN: National Single Window Will Reduce Clearance Time to 24 Hours, Says Project Lead
Bisi Akingbade
The vision of National Single Window is to reduce the clearance time for import and export processes from averagely 10-18 days to within 24 hours, the Project Lead, Mr. Tola Fakolade has disclosed.
Speaking during the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) one day seminar titled: Transforming Trade Facilitation "The Role of National Single Window In Enhancing Economic Efficiency" at Rockview Hotel in Apapa, Lagos,
he noted that the National Single Window Project is one of the transformational initiatives of the current administration which create a centralized, digital platform for the submission, processing, and approval of trade-related documentation linking various government agencies, importers and all the service providers together.
According to Fakolade, National Single Window will streamline clearance time and cost which will enhance effectiveness of doing business in the nation's ports.
Represented by Mr. Peter Ekunkoya, Fakolade emphasized that National Single Window will ensure significant reduction in the time and cost associated with import and export activities and makes Nigeria competitive in the global market.
"The National Single Window will enhance transparency in trade operations, reduce bureaucratic delays and increase efficiency which will not only improve on our ease of doing business but will positively impact on Foreign direct Investment leading to GDP growth.
"Fakolade affirmed that since the inauguration of the Project by the President on April 16th, 2024, we have been engaging across different stakeholder groups in putting together the framework and Governance structure for its implementation.
"As we embark on this journey, we recognize the challenges that have historically plagued our importation processes—lengthy clearance times, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of coordination among various regulatory agencies. The National Single Window aims to address these issues by providing a single platform where all trade-related information and documentation can be accessed and processed seamlessly. It signals the beginning of what I believe will be a groundbreaking journey—one that will modernize our trade processes, facilitate economic growth, and place our country at the forefront of trade facilitation worldwide.
He further said that the success of the National Single Window Project hinges on active participation and cooperation of all agencies involved and complimented enabling infrastructure to support the achievement of our objectives of efficiency and compliance with international standards and best practices.
The Area Controller, Seme Customs Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo Ph.D, also in his goodwill message described the theme of the seminar as both timely and vital.
"It reflects the forward-thinking vision shared by maritime stakeholders toward seamless trade facilitation and national development," the controller stated.
Oramalugo's ably represented by the Assistant Controller, Abba Gana Umar, stated that since the controller assumed office at the Seme Area Command, he has championed several reforms geared towards enhancing revenue generation enforcing compliance, and facilitating legitimate cross-border trade. Under his leadership, the Command has recorded improved revenue collections, strengthened anti-smuggling operations, and deepened stakeholder engagement across the Border community. His administration has strengthened collaboration with sister agencies and traditional leaders in line with the Nigeria Customs Service mandate and the broader goals of national economic growth
Senior Forwarder and Nigeria Trade Facilitation expert, Registrar, NAGAFF Academy, Fwdr Francis Idowu Omotosho,
The Senior Forwarder and Nigeria Trade Facilitation expert, Registrar, NAGAFF Academy, Fwdr Francis Idowu Omotosho, in his own contribution explained that the National Single Window is a global trade facilitation tool rooted in international agreements such as the International Maritime Organization,IMO Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, FAL, the World Customs Organization, WCO, Kyoto Convention, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement.
He said that there are three categories of National Single Windows globally, which are Single Window for Foreign Trade Clearance Formalities, Single Window for Logistics Coordination and the National Integral Single Window. He noted that the latter model represents the most comprehensive approach but also complex, as it involves stakeholders from different legal and administrative backgrounds.
Omotosho noted that a five lesses agenda will be needed for a fully optimized cargo clearance system across Nigeria’s seaports, airports, and land borders with Paperless Operations, which is a 100% electronic processing with one single clearance approval document, Cashless Operations, which is full use of electronic payment systems. Timeless Operations, which is 24-hour cargo clearance and surveillance; and Taxless Operations, which is a simplified taxation through a single tax point and reduced tariffs.
Earlier, the President, MAJAN, Mr. Jerry Aguigbo in his welcome address, said that the association has carefully chosen this seminar topic on Transforming Trade Facilitation Through National Single Window System to fully stress its impact on the Nigerian economy.
Jerry said the seminar aims to explore the concept of the National Single Window, its objectives and its potential to streamline trade processes while enhancing economic efficiency in Nigeria key areas of discussion will include the goals of the NSW project, stakeholders' roles, implementation strategies, and its alignment with both national and regional trade facilitation initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
He stated that the event will also delve into the "potentials of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN)" and its implications for the Nigerian port industry.
"This seminar will serve as a platform for stakeholders across government, the private sector and service providers to collaborate, share knowledge, and chart a path toward economic growth through trade facilitation reforms.
"We Intend to collectively explore strategies for enhancing Nigeria's trade efficiency and fostering regional integration," he stressed.
