The Federal Government is stepping up efforts to launch the National Single Window Policy by 2026, a move expected to revolutionize operations at Nigeria’s ports and boost trade efficiency across the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known during the second meeting of the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said the policy aims to harmonize documentation, minimize human contact, and ensure transparency in the cargo clearance process.
According to Shettima, the government’s target is to cut cargo clearance time from 21 days to less than seven days by the end of 2026 and position Nigerian ports among Africa’s top three trade corridors.
> “The forthcoming implementation of the National Single Window will be a game changer. It will harmonize documentation, minimize human contact, and bring full transparency to the cargo clearance process,” Shettima said.
He directed key agencies — including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), NAFDAC, and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) — to develop a roadmap for strengthening Nigeria’s weights and measures framework to ensure accuracy and consumer protection in trade.
Tackling Inefficiency and Promoting Transparency
As reported by Mediaplusng.com, the Vice President expressed concern over inefficiencies in Nigeria’s port operations, noting that cargo dwell times are over 475 percent higher than global benchmarks, and the cost of clearing goods is 30 percent higher than in most West African countries.
“These inefficiencies cost us investments, increase consumer prices, and weaken our export competitiveness. We cannot continue down this path,” he warned.
Shettima highlighted that the Executive Order on Joint Physical Inspection, currently before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will help end overlapping duties among agencies and promote collaboration. He emphasized that every port-related agency must work as part of a single integrated system rather than in silos.
Building Synergy for Better Port Operations
The Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zahrah Audu, said inefficient port operations have continued to affect Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business ranking. She called for stronger inter-agency collaboration to make cargo clearance faster and more efficient.
Similarly, NPA Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, said effective collaboration and use of technology are key to revamping port operations. He revealed that the Customs and Ports Efficiency Committee is already achieving results through joint inspection and boarding exercises by relevant agencies.
He added that improving infrastructure, human capacity, and equipment will further enhance port efficiency and ensure Nigeria remains competitive in global trade.
With the Single Window Policy, Nigeria aims to make its ports more transparent, predictable, and business-friendly — a step the Federal Government believes will strengthen investor confidence and drive sustainable economic growth.
