The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) have urged shipping firms and terminal operators to approve import waivers to cushion the impact of billion-naira losses suffered by importers due to persistent system glitches affecting the National Single Window platform.
The agencies made the call amid growing concerns from importers and clearing agents over delays, system glitches, and increased costs arising from the transition to the new digital trade facilitation system.
The call followed the recent import waiver granted on about 10,000 containers stranded at the nation’s seaports.
Daily Trust had reported that the Federal Government had approved a demurrage waiver on about 10,000 containers stranded at the nation’s seaports, as key agencies intensified efforts to review the progress of the National Single Window (NSW) project aimed at boosting trade facilitation.
The move is expected to ease congestion at the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos, while providing relief to importers burdened by rising storage costs.
Speaking at stakeholders engagement held at NSC Headquarters in Lagos, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius acknowledged that while the National Single
Window 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 March 27, represents a long-awaited reform aimed at streamlining port processes, enhancing transparency, and improving efficiency across the sector.
According to him, “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.”
Akutah 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’s 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,” the ES stated.
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.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zach Adedeji, urged shipping companies and terminal operators to show understanding by granting waivers on demurrage and storage charges incurred during the delay period.
Adedeji said 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.
“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 innthe clearance of cargoes. That is why we are here to seek your support while we are passing through this innitial stage, we can get your suport,” he stated.
“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 program a successful program, because they all see the benefits of that,” Adedeji stated.
He added that new initiatives or policies often come with initial challenges, which necessitated the meeting with terminal operators and shipping companies.
“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.