The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has raised alarm over the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) trade portal, warning that the system is currently distorting trade and facilitating widespread malpractices across the nation’s ports.
Despite the global intent of the Single Window initiative to streamline cargo clearance, NAGAFF through its Trade Advocacy Committee (NTAC) asserts that the current structure has become a catalyst for increased business costs, regulatory inconsistencies, and avoidable delays.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of NTAC, Increase Uche, the group stated that cargo clearance processes in Nigerian ports has been partially stalled, as Form M pre-import procedures persist without any meaningful reform adding that the NSW portal appeared to be designed for revenue generation rather than trade facilitation.
The goup argued that the Federal Government’s rollout of the portal ignored critical preliminary steps, such as revamping the Nigerian Exchange Control System and establishing a comprehensive Port Community System.
NAGAFF contends that the current facility functions more like a basic document-upload portal rather than a true Single Window system, citing a lack of proper API integration- system-to-system digital linkages, and the absence of a “Single Source of Truth” for data sharing among agencies.
The advocacy committee noted that the technical flaws in the NSW are pushing the port system toward congestion and causing severe financial strain for stakeholders.
It stated that operational workflows for obtaining essential licenses and permits have been interrupted, leading to a spike in turnaround times for vessels and an accumulation of heavy demurrage and storage charges for importers.
These bottlenecks, according to the group, are not only stifling economic growth but also creating a climate of uncertainty and frustration within the maritime industry.
Beyond logistics, NAGAFF warned of significant security and regulatory risks.
The group alleged that the poorly coordinated rollout is encouraging informal practices and the proliferation of fake regulatory documents, including forged SONCAP and NAFDAC approvals.
This lack of transparency has reportedly created opportunities for rent-seeking behavior and document cloning, which allows substandard products to flood the Nigerian market while increasing the likelihood of cargo diversion and smuggling.
To avert a looming maritime crisis, NAGAFF is calling on the Federal Government to convene an emergency high-level stakeholder meeting involving the Nigeria Customs Service, SON, NAFDAC, and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria.
The group is demanding an immediate technical audit of the NSW platform and a transition from manual document attachments to a fully automated, integrated data system.
As an interim remedy to restore market confidence, the association proposed temporary relief measures to mitigate the financial losses incurred by operators due to system failures.
Uche emphasized that while the National Single Window remains a vital reform for Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, the current execution is counterproductive and poses a threat to national security.
“The National Single Window project remains a vital reform initiative for Nigeria’s trade ecosystem. However, its current implementation is counterproductive and risks undermining national economic objectives. It may also pose a serious security threat to the economy unless the identified risk factors are sufficiently addressed and mitigated.
“Urgent and decisive action is required to realign the system with WCO/WTO global best practices, eliminate inefficiencies, and restore stakeholder confidence.
“This observation is being endorsed to the President of Nigeria, National Security Adviser, Hon. Minister of Finance, Hon. Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Hon. Minister of Trade & Investment, Comptroller General of Customs, CRFFN, DG NAFDAC, SON etc for their information and necessary actions,” the statement concluded.
More to read
NIMASA investigates Bonny vessel collision, oil spill as five crew sustain injuries
FG to expand deep blue project to Bakassi, other vulnerable maritime corridors — Oyetola
SIFAX Group Chairman urges African businesses to build globally competitive corporations