By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) conducted an assessment visit on Tuesday to the National Single Window office in Apapa to evaluate the performance of the newly introduced trade facilitation platform.
The visit aimed to review operational progress, identify challenges, and chart a roadmap for improved efficiency. Dr Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of NRS, credited President Bola Tinubu for supporting the platform’s implementation.
He acknowledged initial operational hiccups but assured stakeholders that measures are being taken to minimize disruptions, including engagement with terminal operators to waive demurrage charges on affected containers.
Adedeji attributed some delays to migration from the previous system, noting that most transactions continued to be processed seamlessly.
He emphasised that the platform has simplified documentation by allowing stakeholders to submit cargo documents in a single location, reducing processing time even when minor delays occur.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, described the visit as a review of progress since the system’s launch.
He highlighted the long-term benefits of the platform, including enhanced trade facilitation, improved competitiveness, and positive economic impact. Adeniyi acknowledged technical glitches but said collective efforts were underway to resolve them.
Hajia Zahrah Audu, Director-General of PEBEC, described the National Single Window as a critical tool in improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business.
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She acknowledged expected teething problems but expressed optimism that the system aligns with global best practices and will reduce cargo dwell time, improving turnaround at the nation’s ports.
Audu reiterated PEBEC’s commitment to working with stakeholders for successful implementation.
The visit underscores ongoing efforts by federal agencies to streamline trade processes, address operational challenges, and enhance efficiency in Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sectors.
