FG Targets Full Air Cargo Integration Under National Single Window by June

Eight months after its launch on March 27, the Nigeria Single Window initiative has recorded growing adoption across Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, with officials revealing that over 7,500 entities and eight airlines are currently active on the platform as efforts intensify to fully digitise and streamline cargo clearance processes at the nation’s ports and airports.

Speaking during a media briefing on the progress of the initiative, Lead of the National Single Window, Tola Fakolade, alongside Director NSW, Peter Ekunkoya and Barrister Michael Imonitie (ANLCA), disclosed that the platform has moved steadily through its implementation phases despite initial operational challenges associated with onboarding, data migration, and stakeholder integration.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on Facebook and WhatsApp channel for latest updates

According to the officials, the project was designed in three phases, with Phase One already launched and operational, while preparations are ongoing for broader integration involving shipping lines, customs operations, and export procedures.

Fakolade explained that the next phase of expansion would begin next week with the onboarding of an additional nine airlines, bringing more stakeholders into the digital ecosystem. He further announced that by the first week of June, all air cargo manifests would be required to operate through the National Single Window platform.

He added that final testing is currently ongoing with shipping lines ahead of wider maritime integration into the system.

The officials noted that regulatory agencies including the NAFDAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria have commended the platform for improving compliance processes and facilitating more coordinated regulatory oversight.

Speaking on operational efficiency, the NSW team revealed that the volume of complaints and enquiries received through its help desk had reduced significantly in recent months.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on Facebook and WhatsApp channel for latest updates

“The volumes of calls to the help desk have reduced by half since April, and that is because the more users engage the platform, the clearer and easier it becomes for them to navigate,” Fakolade stated.

He described the initial technical difficulties experienced after deployment as typical “teething issues” associated with large-scale digital transformation projects, adding that many of the concerns, particularly those related to data migration and onboarding challenges, had now been resolved.

Part of the discussions during the briefing focused on trade documentation processes and the importance of compliance among importers and clearing agents. Barrister Omolete urged traders and importers to ensure that their Form M and Pre-Arrival Consignment Report (PACR) processes are completed before cargo arrives at Nigerian ports in order to avoid delays and demurrage.

He also disclosed that importers with expired NAFDAC licences would still be permitted to use them until May 31 as part of transitional arrangements aimed at easing migration into the new system.

The media interaction also featured detailed clarifications from licensed customs agent, Michael David of Ventures Ltd., who explained the categories of participants eligible to operate within the NSW ecosystem and the distinctions between licensed customs agents and freight forwarders.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on Facebook and WhatsApp channel for latest updates

According to him, participation on the National Single Window platform requires proper business registration and a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN), stressing that importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and customs agents all have defined roles within the system.

He explained that while licensed customs agents are accredited by the Nigeria Customs Service, freight forwarders obtain permits through the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), with both categories integrated differently on the NSW portal.

David further explained that traders remain central to the entire process because they initiate import documentation and provide relevant permits and invoices before licensed customs agents proceed with customs declarations on the B’Odogwu platform.

He noted that the customs integration component remains part of the final phase of implementation and assured stakeholders that the ongoing transition would eventually create a seamless interface between customs processes and the NSW platform.

Highlighting the benefits of the initiative, he said the system is already simplifying permit applications involving agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, and NESREA while improving coordination among port stakeholders.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on Facebook and WhatsApp channel for latest updates

“We have undergone several trainings by the NSW team, and in turn we are training our importers because this is a train-the-trainer process. The system is creating seamless trade facilitation and opening endless possibilities for compliant stakeholders,” he said.

The NSW officials also addressed concerns surrounding Harmonised System (HS) codes and overlapping regulatory responsibilities among government agencies.

Fakolade explained that many of the conflicts arose because multiple agencies sought to regulate the same products using overlapping HS codes, resulting in duplication, delays, and excessive compliance requirements for importers.

He disclosed that analysis conducted by the NSW team revealed that some HS codes were subjected to oversight by as many as five different regulators, a development he described as inefficient and costly for businesses.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on Facebook and WhatsApp channel for latest updates

According to him, consultations are ongoing with customs authorities and relevant government agencies to harmonise responsibilities and establish clearer regulatory boundaries in line with global best practices.

He stressed that the broader objective of the National Single Window initiative is to reduce bureaucracy, improve transparency, minimise cargo delays, and position Nigeria’s trade environment to compete more effectively with leading African economies already operating integrated trade facilitation systems.