The Director of the National Single Window Team, Tola Fakolade, emphasised that private sector participation is crucial to the initiative’s success.
He noted that past attempts to implement the NSW project failed due to fragmented technological systems, institutional bottlenecks and inadequate technological infrastructure among some government agencies.
“As we reach key milestones, we want to involve the private sector and share our next steps. We see APM Terminals as a key partner in ensuring the success of this initiative,” Fakolade said.
Fakolade and the NSW team met with top officials of APM Terminals Nigeria in Apapa, Lagos, to gain insights into the port environment and secure the terminal operator’s support for the smooth rollout of the NSW project.
He stated that the current approach focuses on addressing previous challenges by fostering collaboration and ensuring stakeholder alignment.
He also highlighted that the NSW team, inaugurated last year, is committed to simplifying trade facilitation processes and has completed business process analysis and technology readiness assessments.
Fakolade said while some government agencies are fully prepared to integrate into the NSW platform, others are still working toward readiness.
The Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to trade facilitation and the success of the NSW initiative.
He emphasised the importance of digitalisation in global trade, describing the NSW as a transformative project that will enhance transparency and reduce bottlenecks in cargo clearance.
Klinke expressed the terminal’s readiness to collaborate with the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure the NSW’s success, leveraging its expertise and technological infrastructure to facilitate a seamless transition.
He further noted that the NSW would be a key enabler for additional investment in Nigeria’s port sector, aligning closely with APM Terminals’ proposed investments in Lagos Port.
Also speaking, the Head of Government Relations at APM Terminals Apapa, Olayinka Akinlade, highlighted the company’s advanced automation processes and digitalised customer interface.
He stated that APM Terminals has significantly invested in automation to enhance efficiency and customer experience, enabling customers to track shipments, make payments, and process their Terminal Delivery Order (TDO) through an integrated online platform.
