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Customs agents seek clarification on status of B’Odogwu on National Single Window platform.

as project team meets stakeholders in Lagos.
Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Customs Licensed Agents, under the auspices of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents(ANLCA), have sought to know the position of B’ Odogwu, in the emerging National Single Window project set to be launched in April, 2026.
B’Odogwu is the Customs’ trade platform where customs procedures, including payment of customs duties, are conducted.
On the other hand, National Single Window project is the Federal government trade platform where imports and exports transactions will be conducted in a single and harmonised platform.
The first phase of the platform will be launched in April, 2026.
However, the Customs Agents raised the concerns at a meeting with the NSW project team  in Lagos where they were told the project will be in phases.
The Customs Agents and  expressed concerns about possible hiccups during the transition period when all other trade platforms are expected to migrate to the NSW.
Speaking through Mr. Kingsley Emenike, the National President of ANLCA, the Customs Agents  sought clarification on the phase where duties would be accessed through the Single Window and what that would mean for the role of Customs units such as the Odogwu platform.
The Customs Agents raised these concerns at the town hall meeting held on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 where the NSW team, led by Mr Tola Fakolade, sensitised the stakeholders on the harmonised trade platform set to be launched in April, 2026.
The project team assured that the National Single Window will simplify Nigeria’s import and export processes, reduce delays, and eliminate the need for multiple document submissions at ports.
The assurance was given on Tuesday in Lagos during a town hall meeting with members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed.
 Fakolade explained that the initiative was conceived in line with global best practices championed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
He recalled that the idea gained momentum around April 16, 2024, with a clear objective: to make Nigeria’s import and export processes easier, faster, and less cumbersome for traders, customs brokers, licensed agents, and freight forwarders.
“The whole objective is how do we make import and export processes simpler for you,” Fakolade said.
 “The idea is that you will use only one platform for everything you need to do when it comes to import and export.”
According to him, the current system, despite some technological improvements across agencies, still forces users to log into multiple platforms to process permits, declarations, and other documentation.
“What we are doing now is bringing all of that into one platform,” he explained.
 “You log in once, complete everything you need to do on one platform, and submit all your documents only once.
” You don’t have to keep re-uploading your bill of lading and other documents on different systems.”
Fakolade said the NSW is designed to drive simplification, reduce duplication, cut delays, and make trade procedures more transparent and efficient for importers and their agents.
 He noted that the project has been developed over the last 18 months in collaboration with key stakeholders, including ANLCA, which he described as a major partner, adding that the association’s leadership has been very supportive of the initiative.
With the platform scheduled to go live before the end of the quarter, Fakolade said the town hall meeting was organised to ensure users clearly understand what is coming, how it will affect their daily operations, and how to prepare for the transition.
“We want to make sure there is clarity and proper understanding of what is going to change from the day we launch,” he said.
 “We also want to work together to ensure a successful launch.”
President of ANLCA, Mr. Kingsley Emenike Nwokeoji, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a long-overdue step towards ending the duplication of documents and multiple submissions that have plagued cargo clearance in Nigeria.
“What we are seeing so far is the political will of the present government to put an end to this multiplication of documents and submission of documents,” Nwokeoji said.
 “This programme is going to help us cover the functions of so many agencies of government.”
He pointed out that importers often deal with situations where a single product is regulated by two or even three government agencies, leading to repeated submissions and delays.
“With the single submission, whoever is raising any objection will do so on the same platform, and others will see why the cargo or process is being stopped. This will also help in time release,” he added.
Nwokeoji assured the project team of ANLCA’s support, praising the professionals driving the initiative and expressing confidence that the NSW would deliver the much-expected relief for practitioners.
“This will bring the relief we have been expecting, so that we can submit documents from the comfort of our offices and monitor the movement of our cargo,” he said.
However, he also raised key operational questions, particularly about the phased implementation of the system and its interaction with existing platforms.
He noted that the system would initially run side-by-side with the current platform and called for clear guidance on how that transition would work in practice.
In addition, the ANLCA president stressed the importance of training and user support, urging members to take advantage of available training centres across different locations to avoid the kind of confusion that often follows major system changes.
“We have gone through some of these transitions before. When some of us did not react early enough, we started running helter-skelter after launch,” he warned.
Members of the association also raised concerns during the interactive session, including fears of sabotage, possible network issues, manpower and skills gaps, and the integration of the Nigeria Customs Service’s B’ODOGWU system into the new platform.
Responding, Fakolade acknowledged that the National Single Window would not solve all challenges immediately at launch but insisted that it establishes a framework for sustained improvement and requires collective collaboration to succeed.
“We are laying the right foundation and putting the right processes in place,” he said.
 “The day we launch, we are not saying all issues in the import and export ecosystem will disappear. But it’s about starting the journey and ensuring that we all work together to drive adoption of the system.”
According to him, the NSW will offer a single interface for traders and agents, data harmonisation, improved transparency, e-payment, and centralised risk management.
On concerns about network reliability, Fakolade disclosed that support centres equipped with multiple internet service providers would be rolled out across major ports in the country.
He said this is part of broader efforts to reduce clearance costs and curb the diversion of Nigeria-bound cargo to neighbouring countries.
The Lagos town hall meeting ended with a renewed call for collaboration between government and the private sector, as both sides prepare for what is expected to be a major shift in the way trade is conducted at Nigeria’s ports.
 Stakeholders expressed optimism that, if successfully implemented and widely adopted, the National Single Window could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s quest for a more efficient, transparent, and competitive trade environment.
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NRC grants Lagos Government permanent approval to operate Red Line rail services

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has granted final approval to the Lagos State Government to operate two of its rail tracks under the Track Sharing Agreement, paving the way for the full operation of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project.

The LRMT Red Line commenced passenger operations on October 15, 2024, with morning and evening peak-hour services following its inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The permanent approval follows the temporary operating approval granted by the NRC in 2025 under the Track Sharing Agreement with the Lagos State Government.

Presenting the Permanent Operating Licence to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, said the approval confers on the Lagos State Government all the rights and obligations contained in the Track Sharing Agreement.

According to him, the licence also empowers the state to operate rail services in line with international best practices.

Opeifa described the milestone as a testament to the mutual trust, cooperation and shared vision that have continued to define the partnership between the NRC and the Lagos State Government.

“Beyond providing access to the tracks, our collaboration has also included the training and capacity development of the Red Line’s operational personnel, demonstrating the immense value of strong institutional partnerships,” he said.

He commended the Lagos State Government for its confidence in the NRC and its sustained commitment to the partnership.

“I also commend the Government for its remarkable investment in public transportation, particularly in the rail subsector, including the acquisition of adequate rolling stock to meet the growing mobility needs of Lagosians,” he added.

The NRC Managing Director noted that the development of modern rail infrastructure requires foresight, substantial capital investment and sustained political will, qualities he said the Lagos State Government has consistently demonstrated.

Opeifa also urged other state governments across the federation to invest in rail infrastructure and services to complement the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s railway network.

According to him, expanding rail transportation nationwide would ease congestion on highways, reduce logistics costs, improve passenger mobility, stimulate industrial and commercial activities, and accelerate national economic growth.

He stressed that rail transportation remains the backbone of efficient mass transit systems in major cities around the world.

“Continued investment in rail infrastructure is essential to providing safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable and high-capacity mobility for our growing population, while significantly reducing pressure on our road network,” he said.

Opeifa reaffirmed the NRC’s commitment to fostering productive partnerships that will transform Nigeria’s transport landscape.

“Together, we will continue to build an integrated, efficient, safe and sustainable railway system that serves the aspirations of all Nigerians,” he concluded.

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NPA unveils multi-agency task force to tackle resurgent port access gridlock

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has launched a multi-agency task force to combat the resurgence of traffic gridlock choking the Lagos port access roads, in a fresh push to restore seamless cargo evacuation and sustain recent gains in port efficiency.

The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on June 23rd, 2026, where security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators and representatives of the Lagos State Government agreed on coordinated measures to eliminate the bottlenecks disrupting cargo movement.

At the meeting, stakeholders identified illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies and other operational distortions as major factors responsible for the renewed congestion along the port corridor.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemakara, said the Authority’s overriding priority is to guarantee the unhindered movement of cargo to and from the nation’s seaports.

According to him, the task force comprises the NPA, the Police, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO).

“The responsibility of the task force is to monitor truck movement on the port access roads on a regular basis, identify any disruption capable of causing gridlock and immediately resolve such challenges,” Onyemakara said.

He stressed that members of the task force would not establish checkpoints along the corridor but would maintain strategic presence at designated locations to ensure compliance without obstructing traffic.

To enhance rapid response, Onyemakara disclosed that the task force has created a dedicated WhatsApp platform through which members can instantly report infractions or emerging traffic issues for immediate intervention.

On the long-delayed renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system contract, the NPA spokesman said the Authority is reviewing the terms to ensure a more robust contractual framework before awarding a fresh agreement.

He explained that although the previous contract had expired, the ETO platform remains operational under the management of the Truck Transit Parks (TTP) pending completion of the procurement process.

He expressed confidence that the renewal would be concluded soon.

Reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to maintaining free-flowing port access roads, Onyemakara said efficient logistics remain central to the NPA’s drive to improve Nigeria’s port competitiveness and preserve its growing international reputation.

“We are more interested in the free flow of logistics into our ports than anyone else because it is in our own interest,” he said.

“If you look at the international recognition we are receiving, including the World Bank report, we are determined to sustain and even surpass the improvements already recorded in our port system.
“You can be assured that we remain fully committed to achieving the best possible performance from our ports.”

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Customs Steps Up Nationwide Green Tax Awareness Ahead of July 1 Rollout

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its nationwide sensitisation campaign ahead of the July 1, 2026 implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and related fiscal adjustments, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and encouraging the importation of cleaner vehicles.

The awareness campaign, held on Friday July 26th, 2026 at the Apapa Area Command, brought together Customs officers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers and other key stakeholders under the theme: “Implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and Related Fiscal Adjustments.”

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Mohammed Babadende, said the exercise was designed to ensure stakeholders fully understand the policy before its implementation.

“This sensitisation is designed to ensure that every stakeholder clearly understands the policy before implementation. Our objective is to eliminate uncertainty, promote voluntary compliance and guarantee uniform application of the Green Tax Surcharge across all commands,” Babadende stated.

Delivering a technical presentation, the Comptroller in charge of Tariff, System Audit and Coordination, Murtala Muazu, explained that the Green Tax Surcharge is different from conventional fiscal measures and would therefore require a separate assessment process.

He disclosed that the Service has simplified implementation through the HS Code declaration platform to facilitate seamless compliance by importers and clearing agents.

Muazu also revealed that the Federal Government has reduced import levies on vehicles from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, while import duty on used vehicles has been slashed from 15 per cent to five per cent to cushion the impact of the new environmental surcharge.

Area Controllers who participated in the sensitisation urged importers, licensed customs agents and the trading public to embrace the initiative, stressing that the reduction in import levies would lower the cost of doing business, promote legitimate trade and ultimately reduce transportation costs.

Stakeholders welcomed the policy but called for sustained public enlightenment to deepen understanding and ensure seamless compliance ahead of the July 1 commencement date.

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