The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Single Window (NSW) Secretariat, has intensified the implementation of the National Single Window through a sensitisation programme for Customs officers, shipping lines and other maritime stakeholders, as the maritime manifest submission phase of the project commences.
Speaking during the sensitisation programme held at the Apapa Area Command on Tuesday, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said the exercise builds on extensive stakeholder engagements conducted before and after the successful launch of Phase One of the National Single Window on March 27, 2026.
She described the platform as an internationally recognised trade facilitation tool that would strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global commerce while enhancing Customs operations.
“Since the introduction of the National Single Window, the country as a whole—not only the Nigeria Customs Service—has begun to experience its benefits. Nigeria’s standing in international trade is improving, and the NCS remains committed to supporting the successful implementation of this initiative,” Adebakin said.
She explained that the National Single Window is designed to promote seamless trade by improving efficiency, generating reliable trade data, strengthening anti-smuggling efforts and facilitating legitimate business, noting that the system does not alter the statutory responsibilities of the Service.
“It is simply a more efficient and transparent method of submitting the same documents,” she added.
Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Mohammed Babandede, emphasised that stakeholder engagement remains a key principle of the Service, stressing that the NCS consistently consults industry players before introducing new policies and digital solutions.
According to him, “The sea manifest is central to cargo declaration and risk management. I urge shipping companies to submit compliant manifests promptly to support faster cargo clearance and efficient risk profiling.”
National Coordinator of the National Single Window Project, Tola Fakolade, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its unwavering support towards the successful implementation of the project.
He disclosed that the platform has already recorded significant milestones, including the issuance of more than 100,000 licences and permits, as well as the registration of over 1,000 users since its rollout.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, praised participants for their active engagement during the sensitisation programme.
He urged shipping companies, terminal operators and other stakeholders to sustain collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Single Window Secretariat to accelerate trade facilitation, improve compliance, strengthen transparency and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a competitive trading nation.
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