Headlines

NSW: a platform of pains, tears as importers, agents recount bitter experiences

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The National Single Window (NSW), a digitalized single trade platform meant to be a one- stop- shop for faster and seemless platform for goods clearance at the Nigerian ports, is gradually turning into a single window of pains, tears and lamentation for the trading public.

Initiated by the Federal government to boost trade facilitation at the ports through harmonization of all the trading platforms and their agencies into one single platform, the NSW was launched with fanfare on March 24th, 2026.

Its launch was met with expectations and high hopes by importers, exporters and the clearing agents who believed and hoped the digital platform will put an end to delays in good clearance, enhance faster and seemless cargo clearance and lead to reduced cost of doing business at the ports.

However , the reverse has been the case ever since the digital platform went live on March 27th, 2026.

It has been a tale of woes and lamentation from the members of the trading public who claimed the platform, which was supposed to enhance their transactions, has come to distort the clearing process it is meant to improve.

The introduction of the platform has triggered system glitches which have made it difficult for transactions and entries to be uploaded on the NSW platform in real time, thereby trapping goods at the ports that are daily accumulating demurrages.

For the little entries being uploaded on the portal, it has been marked by long and agonizing delays with attendant costs.

At the one -day seminar organized by a group of maritime journalists under the aegis of Media Anti-Corruption Initiative (MACI) held on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 in Lagos, participants came hard on the NWS steering committee Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, the project National coordinator, Tola Fakolade and the whole team for poor preparations and sensitisation of stakeholders.

They claimed that if adequate trials of the new single electronic platform was done, all the so -called teething problems which have now hobbled the performance and efficiency of the new initiative could have been identified and resolved before the launch date.

” But because they are more interested in keeping to the first quarter of 2026 deadline given to them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they paid little attention to details” one of the speakers at the seminar alledged.

At the MACI seminar, under the theme: National Single Window: Strategies to avert failure, importers, exporters and customs licensed agents recounted their unpalatable experiences under the NSW regime.

Alhaji Akeem Adebayo Ayobiojo, a freight forwarder and one of the speakers at the event, gave a vivid details of the agonizing delays they were being subjected to under the NSW .

He disclosed that at NAFDAC and SON offices, two of the government agencies operating under the NSW, there is a backlog of documents waiting to be uploaded on the NSW platform.

For instance, he said there are more than 5,000 SON CAPS certificates waiting to be uploaded into NSW platform.

“As Customs Licensed Agents and freight forwarders, we know what we have experienced and still experiencing under the NSW project.

” We have been having issues of uploading our documents of NAFDAC and SON on the NSW platform.

” Last week Monday, I and my colleague went to SON office to go and lodge complaint about our inability to upload our SONCAP certificate on the NSW platform and we were told that they have over 5,000 such documents in their system waiting to be uploaded on the NSW platform.

“We could not upload the document until Thursday , about a week delay.

“We have similar issue with NAFDAC. We went to NAFDAC office at Oshodi where they directed us to their Yaba office and they told us that they have similar delays.

“NAFDAC had to create a special platform in their office where they collate the backlog of documents meant to be uploaded on NSW platform.

“It took us days before we could also upload our NAFDAC documents on NSW platform.

” This has been the daily occurrence since the project commenced as we experience delays, demurrages .

” There are other challenges like that which we are still grappling with under the NSW on daily basis” Alhaji Ayobiojo declared in an agonizing voice.

Dr Segun Musa, a frontline importer, freight forwarder and the National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders( NAGAFF) pointed out that lack of proper training and capacity building by NSW project team has caused the present hardship being experienced by members of the trading public.

Dr Musa, who spoke through his representative, Dr Mark Onuchi, in his lead paper at the seminar, expressed fears that if these issues are not tackled with all seriousness they deserve, the NSW project might be ‘dead on arrival’.

” Neglecting these basics had spelt dooms for many such initiatives.

“As UNCTAD reports warn, about 70 percent of trade facilitation efforts falter when training and capacity are inadequate.

“We cannot afford Nigeria’s NSW to be “dead on arrival”, he warned.

To make the NSW succeds, Musa advised that government should prioritize system and infrastructure upgrade, training of key personnel such as port managers, customs officers and other relevant stakeholders.

“A holistic reform is required to aggressively champion the needed impact if Nigeria must succeed.

“To avert failure, we must master the fundamentals. First, training state actors is crucial.

“Trade facilitation literature shows inadequate training underlies the

majority of failed implementations (UNCTAD, 2022).

“Customs officials, port managers and other key personnel need in-depth, hands-on workshops on the

new system’s functions.

“Second, a holistic policy framework is required. Our NSW must integrate customs, ports, health, environment and industry regulations.

“Evidence suggests that integrated policy reforms can boost trade throughput by roughly 20–30 percent.

“Without alignment (e.g., contradictory agency rules), delays will persist despite new software.

“Third, infrastructure readiness is non-negotiable. In Africa, fragmented road and logistics networks already impose a heavy toll – on the order of ~2% of GDP

annually.

“Nigeria loses a significant portion of potential growth to bottlenecks at

ports, roads, and power supply.

“We must parallel NSW software with physical upgrades: reliable broadband at every border checkpoint, 24/7 electricity at processing centers, and sufficient warehousing at ports.

” Fourth, system automation and interoperability must be end-to-end”

” The time to act is now: let us invest in training, integrate our policies, build robust infrastructure, digitize end-to- end, and enforce integrity.

“By doing so, we will ensure the Single Window is not just launched, but launched for success” Dr Musa observed.

The Customs representative at the event expressed fears that if these delays as being experienced by the freight forwarders under the NSW persist, it may affect the capacity of the Customs to meet its 2026 revenue target.

These delays have trapped some cargoes at the terminals where they are daily accumulating demurrages.

The NSW team led by its Steering committee Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, had last week sought the intervention of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to prevail on the terminal operators to waive demurrages on the cargoes caught in the system glitches triggered by the NSW.

Stakeholders at the MACI event confirmed that they are yet to see the impart of such appeal as the terminal operators are yet to acceed to the request of the NSW team for waivers.

PTML, one of the terminal operators, has unequivocally told the project team that its request for waivers will only be processed to determine the category of cargo that will enjoy the grace as the terminal was not ready to grant blanket waivers.

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.

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.

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.