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FG reiterates commitment to efficient trade facilitation at ports as it unveils National single window platform 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Federal Government on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026, has expressed its commitment to fast, efficient and seamless cargo clearance process at the ports with the unveiling the National single window platform.
Speaking at a media briefing, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described the launch as a major milestone under the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that previous attempts at implementing a single window system had not succeeded.
He said the initiative represents a shift from fragmented and inefficient trade processes to a more coordinated and technology-driven system.
According to him, the platform is designed to reduce the time and cost associated with import and export transactions, while improving transparency and overall efficiency in the system.
“This is a defining moment,” Edun said. “We are moving from complexity to clarity, from fragmentation to coordination, and from delay to efficiency.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the National Single Window would allow traders to submit all required documentation through a single portal, eliminating the need to deal with multiple government agencies.
She noted that the new system would simplify trade procedures, reduce duplication of documentation, and enhance investor confidence.
“In simple terms, it is one portal, one submission, one coordinated process,” she said, adding that the reform would position Nigeria more competitively in regional and global trade.
Providing details on implementation, the National Single Window Coordinator, Tola Fakolade, said the platform would go live on March 27, 2026.
He explained that the first phase of the rollout would cover the processing of import licences, permits, and certificates for key regulatory agencies, including NAFDAC and SON, through the single platform.
Fakolade added that a pilot phase for cargo manifest submissions would commence with selected shipping lines and air cargo operators, with full integration expected by May 1, 2026.
He further disclosed that the system incorporates a risk management framework that enables regulatory agencies to assess importers based on compliance history, a move expected to reduce physical inspections and speed up cargo clearance for compliant traders.
In addition, all payments related to import processes under the platform would be handled digitally, further enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Edun, however, stressed that the success of the initiative would depend not only on the digital platform but also on improvements in physical infrastructure, particularly at the nation’s ports.
He noted that ongoing efforts to modernise major ports were critical to addressing congestion and ensuring that the benefits of the reform are fully realised.
“A digital platform alone does not move goods,” he said, warning that inefficiencies in port operations could undermine expected gains.
The government said the National Single Window forms part of a broader strategy to achieve sustainable economic growth, with a medium-term target of seven per cent annually, driven in part by improved trade facilitation.
Chairman of the National Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, commended the collaboration among government agencies and private sector stakeholders that made the project possible.
Stakeholders at the briefing were urged to adopt the platform and work collectively to ensure its success, as officials disclosed plans to expand the system to cover export processes and integrate more agencies in subsequent phases.
The National Single Window is expected to significantly reduce trade delays, lower transaction costs, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.
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Shipping coys comply with directive of Shippers’ Council on controversial tariff hike, revert to status quo 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Despite the intransigence of the irate freight forwarders to shealth their swords over the tariff hike after the intervention of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Shipping companies operating in Nigeria may have commenced the process of compliance with the order of the regulatory agency to stop the implementation of the disputed tariff increase.
It would be recalled that the NSC has approved an upward review in shipping charges based on what it said was predicated on the exigency of time.
However, the tariff hike was resisted by the freight forwarders who shut down the operations of the shipping companies by picketing their offices.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council later waded into the crisis by directing the shipping companies, especially the MSC, to immediately suspend the implementation of the tariff hike.
In its terse statement on March 20th, 2026, the regulatory agency said the suspension of the controversial tariff increase became necessary in order to conclude engagement with relevant stakeholders and in response to substantive concerns raised regarding the timing, structure, and potential impact of the said tariffs on port users and the wider logistics value chain.
In deference to the order of the Council, the MSC, one of the shipping companies in the country, has said it has complied with the directive, saying it has reverted to the old tariff structure.
In the memo which the management of the shipping company sent to all its customers, it said the decision to maintain the status quo was in line with the directive of the NSC.
“We wish to inform our esteemed customers that the recently implemented tariff adjustment has been temporarily suspended, following a directive from the Nigerian Shippers council NSC.
“This suspension is pending the conclusion of ongoing engagements and resolution with the regulator.
“Accordingly,the tariff regime applicable prior to the recent increase will remain in force until further notice, as mandated.
“We remain fully committed to regulatory compliance,transparency, and protecting the interests of our customers.
“Further updates will be communicated promptly once a definitive position is issued by the Nigerian Shippers council.
“We appreciate your understanding and continued cooperation” the MSC management declared in a terse statement.
However, concerned industry stakeholders have expressed dismay over what they described as the intransigence of the irate freight forwarders who were said to have persisted in what was regarded as their disruptive activities of shipping operations despite the intervention of the NSC and the compliance of the shipping companies to the directive of the regulatory agency.
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Alma Mater honours Mobereola for his mentorship role on younger generation 

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has been honoured with an Award of Recognition by his alma mater, St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan in appreciation of his impactful mentorship and commitment to the development of younger generations.

The recognition was conferred during the school’s 64th Founders’ Day celebration held in Ibadan, where the DG joined other alumni and stakeholders to celebrate the institution’s enduring legacy of excellence.

Commenting on the award, Dr. Mobereola expressed profound appreciation to the school’s management and the Old Boys’ Association for the honour, noting that the recognition holds deep personal significance.

He reflected on his formative years at the school saying “attending the 64th Founders’ Day of St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Ibadan, brought back a flood of nostalgic memories.

“Fifty years after walking through those gates where many of my formative years were shaped, I remain deeply grateful for the friendships, guidance from teachers, and the bond of classmates.

” I also wish to sincerely appreciate the Old Boys’ Association for the recognition accorded me this year. I do not take this honour for granted” the DG said.
He reiterated his commitment to mentoring younger people, saying “I remain committed to serving as a role model to the younger generation and to mentoring young men as they navigate their own paths.”

He further encouraged the students to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and positive role models in achieving success.

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NSC buckles under pressure, suspends implementation of tariff hike at ports

Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council may have capitulated under intense pressure from the freight forwarders who have apparently make the regulatory agency hastily reverse itself over the tariff hike at the Ports.
It could be recalled that the NSC approved tariff increase in shipping and terminal charges due to what it said was necessitated by the exigency of time.
However, the implementation of the hike has sparked an uproar among the freight forwarders who have rebuffed all entreaties from the NSC but vowed to shut down the operations of service providers.
Last week, the irate freight forwarders have commenced systematic picketing of some of the shipping company, including MSC, promising to resume the targeted shut -down of the operations of other service providers in the coming weeks.
However, in a dramatic  turn of event, the management of the NSC has directed an immediate suspension of the implementation of the tariff hike by the terminal operators, while urging them to revert to old rate until the issues surrounding the controversial hike are resolved.
In a terse statement by the management, the council said the directive is necessary in order to safeguard fair competition, transparency, and sectoral stability, as well as to give room for likely review of the new charges and conclusion of the ongoing consultation with stakeholders.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in the exercise of its statutory mandate as the economic regulator of the port and shipping sector, hereby directs all shipping lines and their respective agencies to immediately suspend the implementation of the recently approved tariffs.
“This directive is issued pursuant to ongoing engagements with critical stakeholders and in response to substantive concerns raised regarding the timing, structure, and potential impact of the said tariffs on port users and the wider logistics value chain.
“In order to safeguard fair competition, transparency, and sectoral stability, the Council considers it necessary to halt further implementation pending the conclusion of comprehensive consultations and regulatory review.
“Accordingly, all affected operators are mandated to revert to, and apply strictly, the tariff regime that was in force immediately prior to the said increase.
“Any deviation from this directive shall constitute a breach of regulatory compliance and will attract appropriate sanctions in line with extant laws and regulations.
“The Council will, upon conclusion of stakeholder consultations and internal review processes, communicate a definitive position on the matter.
“The NSC remains resolute in its commitment to effective economic regulation, protection of cargo interests, and the promotion of an efficient and equitable maritime transport system.
“All operators are hereby enjoined to ensure strict and immediate compliance”, the statement concluded.
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