The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has revealed an ambitious goal to clear shipments within just three hours at Nigerian ports, thanks to the adoption of the National Single Window (NSW) system. This development is expected to revolutionize the import sector by significantly reducing clearance times, eliminating unnecessary taxation, and boosting overall government revenue.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Kingsley Chikezie, President of IMAN, expressed optimism about the transformative impact of the NSW project on Nigeria’s port operations. He explained that once fully implemented, importers will be able to complete the entire clearance process in hours, a drastic improvement from the days or even months it sometimes currently takes.
“Once you enter into the National Single Window, it will increase the revenue generation of the government because there will be significant turnover on the part of the traders due to having a quick delivery period,” Chikezie noted. “We expect that by registering in NSW, we can hasten the clearance of our shipments that would have taken a long time, sometimes months, and be done within three hours.”
A key advantage of the NSW system, according to Chikezie, is the reduction of human intervention in the clearance process. This technological shift aims to curtail corruption and over-taxation, two major challenges that have historically slowed down port operations in Nigeria.
“We expect the National Single Window will end the era of taxation. Reducing taxation is part of what the government promised us. It is a standard operating practice across the world,” he said. “It will cause a drop in the rate of people entering and coming out of the wharf, reducing human affairs in management. You touch your laptop, and your goods will say successful or not.”
Another breakthrough feature of the NSW is real-time shipment tracking. Importers will be able to monitor their goods as they approach Nigerian ports and begin processing documentation even before the shipment docks.
“You can track your goods as they enter Nigeria and start processing. Once the shipment berths at Nigerian ports, they will check whether you have paid and whether you have your certifications,” Chikezie added. “You carry your goods through truckers and bring them to your warehouse. You will not have a serious handicap once your documentation is correct, and in three hours, your goods will be moved into the warehouse.”
IMAN has also been briefed on a forthcoming mobile application being developed by the NSW project team to further streamline customs clearance and port management. This app aims to mitigate logistical challenges and make the clearance process more accessible to importers nationwide.
“During our engagement, the National Single Window team showed us an app they are working on. It is a long-term solution app. They want to mitigate all the challenges that could disturb the project,” said Chikezie. “The NSW office is still working on the app. They are bringing everybody on board.”
The National Single Window initiative, launched by President Bola Tinubu in 2024, represents a collaborative effort involving key government agencies and private sector stakeholders. Consultations spanning January to May 2025 brought together the Nigerian Customs Service, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Chikezie disclosed that a joint committee has been formed to fine-tune the NSW processes following its formal inauguration, expected on June 18, 2025. The committee is tasked with ensuring the project’s smooth rollout and continuous improvement over the next three months.
“The committee comprising the government and the private sector has been selected. The committee will have three months to fine-tune the NSW processes after it is launched,” he explained.
Officials have highlighted the potential of the NSW system to reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, which currently remains about 40 percent higher than in other West African countries. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized that the project would help reduce these costs by at least 25 percent, enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global trade arena.
President Tinubu has similarly described the NSW as a strategic move to “streamline international trade, reduce delays, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness.”
As Nigeria moves towards fully integrating the National Single Window, importers remain hopeful that the anticipated efficiency will foster a more business-friendly environment, reduce bottlenecks, and increase profitability.
IMAN President Kingsley Chikezie expressed confidence that by year-end, the system will be operational nationwide, promising a future where port clearance is swift and hassle-free.
“I am sure that by the end of this year, Nigeria will hook up to the NSW project,” he affirmed. “So, when you want to clear your goods, you don’t need any hassle again.”