NSW: Customs agents, freight forwarders endorse project

Nwokeoji said the initiative would address overlapping functions among government agencies and ensure that any objection raised on the platform would be visible to all stakeholders, thereby enhancing transparency, speeding up cargo clearance, and enabling agents to submit documents remotely while tracking cargo movement.

"This project is going to help in making our jobs easier. That's why we are giving much support within our capacity. I believe strongly on behalf of every licensed customs agent that it will succeed", he said.

At the NAGAFF engagement on Wednesday, the National President, Tochukwu Ezisi, described the move as a positive and timely development that would significantly improve efficiency, transparency, and ease of doing business in the sector.

He said the association fully supports the initiative and welcomes it wholeheartedly, affirming that with the right training and stakeholder engagement, the reform would deliver its intended benefits to the industry and the national economy.

On his part, Founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, described the Single Window as a breakthrough for the maritime sector. He said the interactive nature of the platform would make business transactions more seamless across the industry, adding that the project would add value to operational standards and enhance due process.

"The single window platform is the best thing that is going to happen in the maritime sector, because it's interactive. NAGAFF members will fully support this project, and we are always eager to embrace due process", he said.

The leadership of the associations urged members to fully embrace the programme, drawing lessons from past transitions where delayed adoption led to operational challenges. They also emphasised the importance of training offered by the NSW team and advised members to register online, attend sessions at any of the designated centres, and share the knowledge gained with their staff.

Earlier, Director of the NSW Project, Tola Fakolade, outlined a phased transition strategy designed to manage risks and address teething challenges early, explaining that the rollout would take place in three stages over a maximum period of 12 months.

Fakolade reiterated that Phase One will commence on March 27, 2026, which includes: Licenses, certificates, and permits (LCPO) application submission - Imports; manifests submission (air cargo, and sea); centralised risk management for regulatory agencies, e.g., SON, NAFDAC, NAQS, etc., and payments for LCPO.

Phase Two is scheduled for Q2–Q3 2026: Licenses, certificates and permits (LCPO) application submission - Exports; export process application e.g. NXP; form M process to be initiated on the SW platform and data analysis, reports and dashboard, while Phase Three in Q1 2027 will address declaration submission; duties assessment and payment; Advanced Risk Analytics (ARA); Trade Visualisation System (TVS) and operational reports and dashboards.

Fakolade assured stakeholders that all processes not captured in the first phase would continue on the existing platforms of the relevant government agencies.

According to him, the project will be backed by intensive two-day hands-on training sessions for licensed customs agents and freight forwarders, scheduled to run over four weeks in different locations nationwide. He urged participants to register for training centres nearest to them and assured them that stakeholder consultations would continue to gather feedback on areas requiring improvement as the implementation unfolds.

He also announced plans to set up support centres at major ports, starting with Apapa Port, which will be equipped with internet facilities. Additionally, help desks and walk-in support centres will be made available after the launch to provide guidance and ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

The NSW Director noted the strong support already shown by the leadership of ANLCA and NAGAFF, but called for broader sensitisation among their members, urging them to act as ambassadors of the initiative, which he described as "the start of a great trade journey for Nigeria".