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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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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.
Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.
In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation  and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.
The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.
The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.
The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .
The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
 Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.
As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.
“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.
The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.
The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.
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Commentaries

Why Nigeria must prioritize competency development and standards to harness gains of  blue economy

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
Nigeria is endowed with vast maritime resources which offer enormous opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, food security, and environmental sustainability.
With its fabled over 850 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea, the country is naturally blessed to emerge as a hub for maritime activities in Africa.
However , taking advantage of these huge massive maritime opportunities should be the priority of Nigerian government which must be intentional on developing competency level of its Maritime professionals and raise their
adherence to international standards.
The blue economy encompasses diverse sectors including shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy, maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and marine environmental management.
 These sectors are highly knowledge-driven and require a workforce equipped with specialized skills and globally recognized certifications.
Without competent professionals, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities to countries with better-trained maritime personnel and stronger institutional frameworks.
Competency development is essential for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across the maritime sector.
Skilled seafarers, marine engineers, port operators, logistics professionals, and environmental experts are critical to ensuring that maritime activities meet international best practices.
 As global shipping and offshore industries become increasingly technology-driven, continuous training and capacity building are necessary to keep Nigerian professionals competitive in the international labour market.
Skilled maritime professionals such as seafarers, marine engineers and allied personnel in the sector could be sources of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria as they could be exported to the international community.
Philippines and India are the world’s top exporters of skilled maritime personnel such as seafarers where they get the chunk of their foreign exchange.
If Nigeria could develop such capacity in skilled labourers in the sector and export their expertise, the country could harvest bountifully from such venture.
Equally important is the adoption and enforcement of internationally recognized standards.
Standards provide the framework for quality assurance, safety management, environmental protection, and operational excellence.
Compliance with global maritime standards established by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Nautical Institute enhances Nigeria’s credibility as a maritime nation and attracts foreign investment.
Investors and international partners are more likely to engage with institutions and businesses that demonstrate compliance with recognized benchmarks.
That is why the recent certification of the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited by the  UK Nautical Institute is germaine to Nigeria’s quest to develop training capacity and build compliance with standard procedures
This feat also underscores the importance of world-class training institutions in building local capacity.
That is why the  government should give necessary assistance to training institutions in Nigeria such as Maritime Academy of Nigeria(MAN),  Oron and the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited.
Such government patronage and assistance will not only improve the quality of maritime training in Nigeria but also position the country as a regional centre  for maritime education and professional development.
Prioritizing competency development and standards will also contribute significantly to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
Well-trained personnel are better equipped to prevent accidents, manage maritime risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.
 Furthermore, adherence to environmental standards helps reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable utilization of ocean resources, which are fundamental pillars of the blue economy.
From an economic perspective, a competent workforce and strong standards framework can increase Nigeria’s participation in global maritime trade, create high-value jobs, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and improve the country’s competitiveness.
 It also supports local content development by enabling Nigerian professionals and companies to meet the requirements of international contracts and projects.
In conclusion, competency development and standards are not optional components of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy; they are foundational requirements for its success.
 By investing in human capital, strengthening training institutions, and enforcing internationally accepted standards, Nigeria can fully harness the immense potential of its maritime resources and transform the blue economy into a major driver of national development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.
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