The Executive Secretary of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu Akutah, has called on terminal operators and concessionaires to fast-track the automation of their operations to ensure the success of the National Single Window (NSW) initiative.
Akutah emphasised that full digital integration across port systems is no longer optional, stressing that seamless interoperability among stakeholders is critical to achieving the objectives of the platform.
“With the advent of the NSW, automation is no longer optional. Stakeholders must align their systems to ensure seamless interoperability,” she stated.
Industry stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged the long-term benefits of the initiative, describing it as a transformative step for Nigeria’s trade ecosystem. However, they raised concerns over persistent technical glitches and delays that have negatively impacted cargo clearance since the rollout of the system.
Despite these challenges, participants expressed optimism that ongoing system upgrades, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and temporary relief measures would address the bottlenecks and stabilise port operations in the near term.
Responding to the concerns, terminal operators reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative but warned against using the transition phase as an excuse for inefficiency.
General Manager of Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), Mr. Tunde Keshinro, noted that while genuine operational challenges would be considered, performance standards must not be compromised.
“This is a national project that will benefit everyone. However, we must not encourage inefficiencies. Genuine cases will be attended to,” he said.
The National Single Window is designed as a unified digital platform to streamline trade documentation processes, minimise human contact, reduce operational costs, and enhance Nigeria’s ease of doing business.
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2026-04-11
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