NSW restricted to certified local professionals, Fakolade insists

The Director of the National Single Window (NSW) Project, Tola Fakolade, has told freight forwarders that the system would not grant access to unqualified individuals or foreign players.

Fakolade clarified that the NSW has regulatory controls in place, ensuring that access is restricted to certified professionals and local operators approved by relevant associations.

“The Asians or anyone else will not have access unless they are certified and registered on the system. There is regulatory control, and qualification is required before one can participate. Not everyone can enter an operating theatre. You have to be qualified,” he stated.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum with members of the National Association of Government-Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in Lagos, Fakolade said many freight forwarders struggle with documentation errors, which often lead to costly delays for importers.

According to him, the NSW is designed to streamline processes and minimise such mistakes, ultimately improving efficiency and boosting businesses for professionals who understand the system.

Fakolade also emphasised the need for a phased rollout of the system to ensure that its infrastructure can handle the anticipated demand without disruptions.

He highlighted that efficient cargo clearance through the NSW would attract more investment into Nigeria, increase container turnover and create additional business opportunities for freight forwarders.

“When Nigerian ports become efficient enough to clear goods within two to three days, it will signal to the global investment community that doing business here is easier. More companies will be attracted, leading to an increase in container traffic and, consequently, more work for freight forwarders.
Faster clearance times mean higher turnover, more frequency, and ultimately greater revenue,” Fakolade explained.

The National President of NAGAFF, Tochukwu Ezisi, stated that the success of the NSW depends on honest declarations from all stakeholders, including importers and customs agents.

He warned that without transparency, the system might not function as seamlessly as intended, pointing out existing challenges such as network issues and multiple alerts, which have historically caused bottlenecks at the ports.

Ezisi urged the NSW team to sensitise other relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and other government agencies, on the importance of the initiative to ensure the removal of all operational barriers.

He pledged NAGAFF’s commitment to supporting the initiative, promising to mobilise its members for active participation in various aspects of its implementation.