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For Single Window to succeed in Nigeria, no single agency should perceive it as sole mandate but national project — Adeniyi advises

Funso OLOJO
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has warned against wrong perception of the National Single window project as a sole mandate of a single agency of government but a national project backed by unwavering support of government and all stakeholders.
The Customs boss, who was speaking on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 during the launch of the National Single window project in Lagos, revisited the various reasons why past efforts at floating the project have failed.
He therefore advised that for the latest effort to succeed, all stakeholders, including agencies of government, should see the project as a national treasure backed by singleness of purpose.
Represented by the Head of Customs Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Kikelomo Adeola, Adeniyi said stakeholders collaboration and constant engagement should be at the heart of the implementation of the project and not over reliance on technology.
It could be recalled that inter- agencies rivalry and competition over who should warehouse the project has scuttled the previous exercise over a decade ago.
According to the World Customs Organisation (WCO), a Single Window (SW) is a trade facilitation concept that enables traders and businesses to submit standardised information and documents through a single entry point to fulfil all regulatory requirements related to import, export, and transit.
It simplifies and streamlines interactions with government authorities, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs and delays in cross-border trade.
Since 2014, Nigeria has made efforts twice to create and implement the Single Window without success.
Adeniyi  however believed that  for the National Single Window to work in Nigeria, all relevant agencies in the country’s trade and revenue system “must embrace a singular purpose backed by an unwavering government support, ensuring that the single window is not perceived as sole mandate, but as a national strategy supported by all stakeholders, including the private sector, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies.”
According to him “The centrality of customs in this ecosystem is undeniable, but success requires a symbiotic relationship where each stakeholder plays its path with precision and commitment technology has often been cited as the cornerstone of the single window system but technology alone is not the solution.
“The deployment of advanced digital platforms must be accompanied by meticulous process reengineering, capacity building, and proper change management.
“Past efforts in Nigeria have failed due to over-emphasis on technology without adequately addressing the human and operational dimensions.
“A successful single window system must reflect the peculiarities of Nigeria’s trade environment, incorporating user friendly designs, inter-operability with existing systems and scalability to accommodate future growth.”
 He said that past attempts to build the National Single Window failed due to challenges ranging from fragmented technological systems and institutional bottlenecks to misaligned stakeholder expectation and inadequate physical and technological infrastructure.
“While these obstacles have slowed our progress, they have also provided invaluable lessons that shaped the roadmap for future sources.
“A critical reflection on past attempt reveals the necessity of a unified vision driven by strong political will and institutional committee, fragmentation in leadership and inconsistent policy direction, which undermined the effectiveness of earlier initiatives,” he noted.
He emphasised that continuous stakeholder engagement must be at the heart of the implementation process, adding that previous initiative suffered from limited collaboration and inadequate communication, which bridge the trust gap and soften resistance among stakeholders.
“So a successful single window system must prioritize inclusivity with active consultation and collaboration among government agencies, private sectors, and development partners.
“This development must include consultation and involve co-creation where stakeholders actively contribute to system design and evaluation,” the CG said.
“As we forge ahead, we must harmonize the legal landscape. Eliminating redundancy is an ambiguity while instituting and possible policies that promote transparency , accountability and efficiency.
“This legal alignment will not only facilitate system implementation, but also booster Nigeria compliance and international trade agreements and standards,” he added.
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Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations  

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.
Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.
The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support  Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.
He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.
Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.
“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.
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Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA 

Gloria Odion,  Maritime Reporter 

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence,  brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

 As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.
It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.
He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.
 He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.
He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).
He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

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Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.
According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.
This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.
The Programme, according to the NCS,  also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.
“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.
” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per  through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.
However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.
The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.
The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.
“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.
The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.
“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.
“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.
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