Headlines

Implementation of National Single Window will save Nigeria $4 billion lost to corruption at ports annually– Tinubu

The Eyewitness Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has projected that Nigeria will save a whooping sum of $4 billion being lost annually to red tapism and corruption at the nation’s ports when the country digitalizes its trade through national single window project.

Tinubu, who was ecstatic at the prospect of digitalisation of import and export trade at the nation’s ports, made this assertion while unveiling the national single window project at the President Villa on April 16th, 2024.

Describing the project as transformative, the President said it will propel the nation’s economy to new heights as it will simplify import and export trade by eliminating bureaucracy and corruption.

While inaugurating the committee to drive the project, Tinubu said the initiative has the capability to break long-standing developmental barriers in advancing the progress, prosperity, and well-being of every Nigerian.

He said the project is a game-changer that will revolutionize the way trade is conducted in the country, and with the Office of the President overseeing the steering committee that will drive the reform process forward.

The President said by simplifying government trade compliance through a digital platform, Nigeria will unlock the doors to economic prosperity.

“This initiative will link our ports, government agencies, and key stakeholders, creating a seamless and efficient system that will facilitate trade like never before.”

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu noted that paperless trade alone is estimated to bring an annual economic benefit of around $2.7 billion, noting that countries like Singapore, South Korea, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia have already seen significant improvements in trade efficiency after implementing single window systems.

“It is time for Nigeria to join their ranks and reap the rewards of a streamlined, digitized trade process” the President said.

” As your President, I have always believed in the immense potential of our great nation. We are a people blessed with resilience, creativity, and an unwavering spirit of enterprise.

” However, for far too long, our economic growth has been hindered by existing complexities and inefficiencies in our trade processes. Today, we say no more!

“Imagine a Nigeria where businesses can save time and resources, where small enterprises can reach global markets, and where the informal e-commerce sector is brought into the fold, increasing our tax revenue base.

” This is the Nigeria we are building with the National Single Window.

” We cannot afford to lose an estimated $4 billion annually due to red tape, delays, and corruption at our ports.

“The National Single Window will address these issues head-on, preventing revenue leakage and facilitating effective trade.

” By doing so, we will create a more transparent, secure, and business-friendly environment that will attract investment and spur economic growth”.

Continuing, Tinubu emphasized that the implementation of the NSW would not be an overnight process as it would require dedication, collaboration, and a phased approach in view of continental ramifications that extend far beyond national development imperatives alone.

“I assure you, my fellow Nigerians, that we are fully committed to seeing this project through.

“We will work tirelessly to ensure its success, engaging with all partner agencies and stakeholders to create a system that works for everyone.

“Moreover, the National Single Window is not just about Nigeria. By linking our system with those of other African nations, we will expedite cargo movement and optimize intra-Africa trade.

“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to regional integration and our belief in the power of collaboration”.

“I call upon every Nigerian to embrace this initiative with open arms. Let us work together, as one nation, to make the National Single Window a resounding success.

” Let us show the world that Nigeria is ready to take its rightful place as a leader in global trade.

” Together, we will build a Nigeria that is stronger, more prosperous, and more united than ever before.

” The National Single Window is our gateway to that future, and I am honoured to lead us on this transformative journey”

Giving an insight into the initiative, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji said data harmonization is a crucial component of the initiative, which involves enabling efficient capture, definition, analysis, and reconciliation of regulatory trade documents within one unified technological mechanism.

According to the FIRS boss, we will reduce barriers to efficient timing, improve economic metrics, increase transparency, reduce trade costs, and boost revenue.

” The implementation plan will be carefully crafted with short-term, medium-term, and long-term phases to ensure a smooth and effective rollout.

” The success of this project hinges on the unwavering commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders.

“It requires strong government participation and engagement from all partner agencies.

“Together, we will work tirelessly to overcome any obstacle and ensure the seamless implementation of the National Single Window project.

He also explained that with the NSW, Nigeria is ushering in a new wave of economic prosperity, efficiency, and boundless opportunities.

“The National Single Window is not just a project. It is a symbol of our collective aspiration and our determination to build a better Nigeria for all of our people.

The Single Window solution interconnects all stakeholders involved in foreign trade and enables them to perform trade procedures on one platform.

The Single Window provides a comprehensive online environment for all governmental and business users such as importers, exporters, declarants, commercial banks, carriers, Customs, ministries, and other government agencies to perform trade operations.

By simplifying and automating Customs and trade processes, traders and Government agents benefit from smoother processes that enable a reduction of clearance times.

The Unified Trade Window secures Government revenue and improves the overall country’s image in international trade indicators.

The Managing Director NPA, Mohammed Bello KoKo, who was named by the President as part of the Implementation Committee, had earlier led the NPA to enlist the technical guidance of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)in preparedness for the seamless implementation of NSW with the Authority’s finalization of the consultancy for the Port Community System, which lays the groundwork for the National Single Window.

Related Topics:featured National Single Window

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Mobereola, NIMASA DG, reflects on year 2025 with satisfaction, says 2026 holds promising opportunities for maritime industry

Funso OLOJO

The Director -General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has expressed his satisfaction over the achievements recorded in the maritime industry in the outgoing year of 2025, while looking forward to a promising 2026 with hope.

In his Christmas message to the stakeholders in the maritime industry, Dr Mobereola noted that the 2026 ended well with the election of Nigeria into the category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) after 14 years of failed attempts as well as zero occurrence of piracy attacks on Nigeria’ waters.

“The year 2025 has been a good one for our industry as once again, we have not recorded a single piracy attack in our waters in a whole calendar year, Nigeria was also able to deposit three Instruments of Accession to IMO Conventions that were signed by President Bola Tinubu ,we have been able to maintain industrial harmony in the sector all of which culminated to Nigeria’s election into the category C Council of the International Maritime Organization.

“We couldn’t have done this without our stakeholders who have contributed in various ways in the course of their operations during the year. We see you, we thank you and we felicitate with your during this yuletide season”Mobereola observed.

He however assured that the Agency will re-double efforts in ensuring that 2026 is even better for every stakeholder.

While calling on industry operators to brace up for the new year with hope of better times, Dr. Mobereola noted that “at NIMASA, we appreciate the weight of our renewed responsibility by virtue of Nigeria’s membership of the IMO Council because to whom much is given, much is definitely expected.

” You can therefore be sure of an increased momentum in our resolve to sustain maritime safety, security, environmental protection and adherence to relevant conventions and protocols with renewed vigour.”

The DG concluded by acknowledging the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, industry stakeholders, management and staff of NIMASA as well as all Nigerians and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Headlines

FG trains 75 boat operators on safe inland waterway navigation

Funso OLOJO

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has concluded a three-day Boat Navigation and Safety Training for 75 boat drivers and skippers, as part of efforts to improve safety and professionalism on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The training, which ran from Monday, 22, December, 2025 to Wednesday, 24 December, 2025 focused on equipping participants with the practical knowledge and operational competence required for the issuance of the Certificate in Safe Boating and Navigation.

Participants were drawn from major boating associations, including the Maritime Workers Union, the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATAN), and the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN).

Boat operators from Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states took part in the programme.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Timothy Clement of the NIWA Lagos Area Office described the training as a significant intervention aimed at reducing accidents on inland waterways.

He noted that many previous boat mishaps were caused by limited technical knowledge and insufficient experience among operators, adding that sustained capacity-building would help address the challenge.

Clement also highlighted ongoing safety measures being implemented by NIWA, including the removal of wrecks to improve navigation and continuous sensitisation of boat operators along major routes such as CMS, Ikorodu, Badore, Badagry and Port Novo.

According to him, NIWA has intensified awareness campaigns, moving from jetty to jetty to educate operators on safe practices, while encouraging boat owners to release more skippers and captains for structured training programmes.

“So far, so good. We thank God for the success of this three-day training for boat skippers.

“Participants came from Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, and over the past three days, they have learned a great deal,” Clement said.

“This year alone, NIWA conducted sensitisation exercises two to three times across different jetties.

“We are encouraging operators to make more of their captains and skippers available for this kind of training.

” I believe that by this time next year, we will have even more reasons to celebrate improved safety on our waterways,” he added.

Also speaking, the Lead Trainer and Consultant, Dr. Sileola Akinbowale, described the programme as a life-saving initiative designed to strengthen manpower capacity and reduce waterway accidents.

She explained that the training was structured to ensure boat operators are properly equipped with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills required to operate safely and efficiently.

Akinbowale commended the Federal Government, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the former Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, for prioritising safety and capacity development in the sector.

Assessing the programme, she rated it about 90 per cent successful, noting that it combined classroom sessions with practical exercises on the water.

“We did not limit the training to classroom lectures. Participants were taken out for practical sessions at the jetty, which made the programme very effective. It was an all-inclusive training, not just theory,” she said.

She assured that the initiative would be sustained, stressing that continuous capacity enhancement remains critical to saving lives and improving professionalism on inland waterways.

Participants expressed satisfaction with the training, describing it as timely and impactful.

A Lagos-based boat operator, Wasiu Olalekan, said the programme had strengthened participants’ ability to respond to emergencies and distress situations.

“With this training, we now know how to handle distress situations on the waterways because of the knowledge given to us. On behalf of the Lagos State participants, we appreciate the Minister and NIWA management for this opportunity,” he said.

Another participant from Ondo State, Biobaku John, said the training exposed him to critical safety and emergency response skills that would enhance his professionalism.

“I gained important safety and firefighting skills during these three days. As a boat driver, I learned a lot and I am proud to have participated,” he said.

Similarly, the leader of the Ogun State delegation, Pami Ronald, said participants were trained in boat handling, safety procedures, first aid, emergency response, engine maintenance and effective waterway transport management.

“For the past three days, we learned extensively about safety, first aid, how to raise alarms, call for rescue teams and even engine maintenance. The training was very educative,” he said.

The programme forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIWA, in line with recommendations from investigation reports under the tenure of former NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, to improve safety standards, professionalism and confidence among inland waterway operators nationwide.

Headlines

FG approves 50 percent price slash on Yuletide train services

— as passengers flood train terminal

Funso OLOJO

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has commenced 50 percent price discount on Yuletide train services across the country which was approved by the Federal Government to ease traveling during this festive session.

The 50 percent slash in the prices of train services runs between Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 to Sunday, January 4th, 2026.

According to the statement from the NRC, the commencement of the price reduction attracted huge turn out of passengers who thronged major railway corridors across the country to take advantage of the offer.

At major stations along the Lagos–Ibadan, and Abuja–Kaduna, as well as key narrow gauge routes, passengers turned out in large numbers, with several train departures operating at near full capacity as early bookings reflected strong public response to the 50% discount initiative.

The festive rail service, being implemented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, runs from Tuesday, 23 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2025, during which passengers enjoy a 50 percent discount on train fares nationwide to ease the cost of festive travel.

Many passengers who interacted with NRC officials expressed appreciation for the 50 percent discounted fares, describing the initiative as timely, thoughtful, and economically relieving, especially for families and group travellers journeying to reunite with loved ones during the Yuletide season.

According to the NRC , the 50 percent Yuletide Train Ride is a people-oriented intervention under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at reducing transportation costs, promoting inclusive mobility, and encouraging the use of rail transport as a safe and reliable alternative during peak travel periods.

Speaking on the commencement of the discounted festive operations, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers of the Corporation’s preparedness to sustain safe, efficient, and customer-focused services throughout the Yuletide period.

The Corporation confirmed that both standard gauge and narrow gauge services are fully operational, with enhanced security, safety, and customer service arrangements in place across stations and onboard trains to manage increased passenger traffic resulting from the 50% discount offer.

Passengers travelling on standard gauge routes are advised to continue using NRC-approved online booking platforms, while passengers on narrow gauge services can purchase their tickets directly at designated railway stations.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation reiterates its commitment to seamless festive operations and urges passengers to cooperate with railway officials and comply with all travel guidelines to ensure smooth journeys throughout the 50% discount Yuletide Train Ride period.