The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) have enjoined shipping companies and terminal operators to grant waivers to importers and clearing agents affected by delays linked to the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) at the nation’s seaports.
The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ engagement which took place recently at NSC headquarters, Apapa, Lagos.
The engagement brought together representatives of NSC, NRS, NSW, terminal operators, and shipping companies to review the progress and challenges of the newly introduced system.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NSC, Barrister Pius Akutah in his remarks at the occasion, acknowledged that while NSW initiative marks a major milestone for the maritime industry, its rollout has been accompanied by initial operational challenges impacting cargo clearance timelines.
He noted that the system which went live on 27th March 2026, represents a long-awaited reform aimed at streamlining port processes, enhancing transparency, and improving efficiency across the sector.
His words: “The National Single Window is a significant development that has brought optimism to stakeholders. However, like any major reform, it comes with teething problems that must be collectively addressed to ensure seamless implementation.”
The NSC helmsman explained that the engagement was convened at the instance of the NSW Secretariat to assess ongoing implementation efforts and find practical solutions to emerging bottlenecks, particularly those affecting cargo movement and clearance.
“We now know that things are taking shape, gradually taking shape, and it is for the benefit of all of us. We are here to look at, yet again, the implementation and some of the challenges that have arisen that we need to tackle together as a family, to ensure that we move on smoothly with the implementation stage,” he said.
He stressed the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, describing the port ecosystem as a “family” that must work together to overcome transitional challenges and sustain the gains of the reform.
Akutah also called on concessionaires and terminal operators to accelerate the automation of their operations, noting that seamless integration with NSW is critical to achieving the intended efficiency gains.
“With the advent of the National Single Window, the need for full automation of systems has become even more crucial. Stakeholders must fast-track their digital integration to align with the platform and ensure smoother processes,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of NRS, Dr. Zacheus Adedeji enjoined shipping companies and terminal operators to show understanding by granting waivers on demurrage and storage charges incurred during the delay period.
He stated such relief measures would cushion the financial burden on importers and clearing agents who have been adversely affected by system-related disruptions beyond their control.
His words: “Anywhere in the world, when there are changes, there are hitches, and when there are things not part of business. People discuss for solutions, and I want us to work together to resolve it. There have been some single window induced delays, and that has led to delays in the clearance of cargoes. That is why we are here to seek your support while we are passing through this initial stage, we can get your support.
“But shipping companies and terminal operators have said if truly the delays are related to single window, they have internal process of discounting, giving the waiver, and beyond that, they are there to support us on all what is needed to make this programme successful. This is because they all see the benefits”
He added that new initiatives or policies often come with initial challenges which necessitated the meeting with terminal operators and shipping companies.
Stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged the benefits of NSW but expressed concerns over delays and technical issues that have slowed cargo clearance since its rollout.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that NSW is expected to serve as a unified digital platform for processing trade-related documentation, reducing human interface, cutting costs, and improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business.
In spite of the current challenges, stakeholders expressed confidence that with sustained collaboration, system upgrades, and temporary relief measures such as waivers, the initiative would ultimately deliver long-term benefits to the maritime sector and the broader economy.
The shipping companies in their response said NSW is a project that would benefit everyone but should not be used to encourage inefficiencies.
The General Manager, Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), Mr. Tunde Keshinro in his contribution, said there are importers who are efficient, adding that cases with genuine need for waivers would be considered.
His words: “It is a national project that will benefit everyone. There are importers that are efficient, and those with genuine needs would be attended to. We should not encourage inefficiencies”.
