The Nigerian government is taking bold steps to overhaul its port operations with a groundbreaking initiative set to reduce the high cost of doing business.
The National Single Window (NSW) system is poised to revolutionize trade efficiency by streamlining operations and cutting down on delays that have long plagued the sector. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Gboyega Oyetola, made a compelling case for the system’s transformative potential during a high-profile stakeholders’ forum, promising that the NSW could slash port costs by a whopping 25%.
Currently, the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports is up to 40% higher than in neighboring West African nations, a fact that has been underscored by the World Bank. Dr. Oyetola pointed to chronic delays and administrative bottlenecks as major contributors to this costly inefficiency, which has led to a staggering annual revenue loss of ₦2.5 trillion. The new system, he said, is designed to streamline processes, boost transparency, and minimize the red tape that has been a burden to Nigerian businesses.
“With NSW, we’re not just slashing costs—we’re making Nigerian ports a more competitive player in the global trade arena,” Oyetola stated. He emphasized that this initiative is critical for the growth of the blue economy, which includes maritime shipping, fisheries, renewable energy, and coastal tourism—areas with enormous untapped potential. With Nigeria’s vast coastline and marine resources, the Minister believes the country is perfectly positioned to harness these assets for sustainable economic growth.
L-R- Minister for Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Chairman Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Chairman Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Mr. Zacchs Adedeji, Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and Mr. Tola Fakolade, Head National Single Window Secretariat
Dr. Oyetola also outlined other significant reforms in the works, including a commitment to multimodal connectivity—enhancing road, rail, and inland waterways infrastructure to further reduce transportation costs. Collaborations with the Lagos State Government have already cleared notorious gridlocks like those at the Mile 2 and Tin Can Ports, improving landside operations. Even more impressive, turnaround times for both vessels and trucks have been significantly reduced, helping to cut delays and increase port efficiency.
Despite these strides, the country’s marine and blue economy still faces significant challenges, including outdated infrastructure and insufficient stakeholder coordination. But Oyetola remains optimistic, highlighting the government’s focus on rehabilitating aging ports like Apapa and Tin Can Island. The Minister also called on the private sector to join the effort, noting that new, greenfield port developments are on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, reassured stakeholders of the agency’s full commitment to rolling out the NSW system. He described it as an essential global best practice for trade facilitation that has already been implemented in top ports worldwide. Dantsoho is particularly excited about the system’s potential to position Nigeria as a major trans-shipment hub in West Africa, which could bring huge benefits to the national economy, especially in serving landlocked African countries.
Highlighting Nigeria’s membership in the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA), Dantsoho stressed the importance of technological upgrades and data transparency. The NPA has already taken proactive steps to implement ICT solutions and re-engineer processes in line with international standards. While the journey toward full implementation is complex and requires careful coordination, he is confident that the upcoming modernization projects will position Nigerian ports as major regional players.
“We’re determined to make Nigeria the undisputed maritime hub of West Africa,” Dantsoho declared. “With the right infrastructure and systems in place, there’s no reason why we can’t compete with the best in the world.”
As both the Minister and NPA MD have made clear, the National Single Window isn’t just a system—it’s a game-changer for Nigeria’s economic future, designed to unlock the country’s true maritime potential and bring the sector into the 21st century. But the success of this ambitious plan will ultimately hinge on the collaboration of all stakeholders, from government agencies to private investors, to ensure that Nigeria’s ports can handle the demands of the global market.
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2025-01-27