Train , integrate, Digitize or Fail: Experts lists conditions for National Single Window success at MACI Seminar

Train, Integrate, Digitize or Fail: Expert Lists Conditions for National Single Window Success at MACI Seminar

_By Babatunde Aremu_

The Federal Government’s National Single Window Programme (NSW ) is designed as a one-stop digital platform where importers and exporters submit permits, licenses, and manifests once for use by over 60 MDAs.

It targets a cut in cargo dwell time from 21 days to under 7 days, a 25% reduction in business costs, and tighter control of revenue leakages.

Full rollout commenced in March , 2026, in phases, with the goal of boosting transparency, supporting AfCFTA implementation, and improving Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.

Speaking at the second national seminar organized by Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives in conjunction with HyneK Media, themed _National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure, Guest speaker Dr. Oluwasegun Musa, Chairman/CEO of Widescope International Group, Who was represented at the event said the launch is a “watershed moment” but stressed its success “depends on rigorous preparation and execution.”

“A robust NSW could unlock billions in trade and investment,” Musa told stakeholders, citing World Bank analysis that countries with efficient trade systems record about 15% higher exports and 10% more foreign investment. “Conversely, neglecting the basics dooms many such initiatives. UNCTAD reports warn about 70% of trade facilitation efforts falter when training and capacity are inadequate. We cannot afford Nigeria’s NSW to be dead on arrival.”- He said

He urged Nigeria to treat the NSW as a “national economic strategy rather than just an IT project or upgrade,” pointing to Singapore, Kenya, and Mauritius. “Singapore didn’t scan 35 paper forms. They asked: Why do we need 35? They eventually redesigned it to 1 e-Form. Kenya tied it to the President’s Big 4 Agenda.

For the National Single Window Programme to
succeed, Musa said Nigeria must master seven fundamentals:

1. Training: Customs officials, port managers, and key personnel need
in-depth, hands-on workshops. Inadequate training underlies most failed implementations, according to UNCTAD 2022.

2.- *Holistic policy framework*: The NSW according to Dr. Segun Musa must integrate customs, ports, health, environment, and industry regulations. Integrated reforms which can boost trade throughput by 20-30%. Without alignment, Delays according to him will persist despite new software.”

3. *Infrastructure readiness*: Nigeria must match NSW software with physical upgrades — reliable broadband at every border checkpoint, 24/7 electricity at processing centers, and sufficient warehousing. Fragmented logistics networks already cost Africa ∼2% of GDP annually.

-4.*End-to-end automation*: Dr. Musa pointed out that WTO analyses show that end-to-end digitalization of customs procedures can cut transaction times by 20-30%. The NSW must connect to banking, shipping lines, and regulators so cargo release happens “in minutes rather than days.”

5. Conflict resolution mechanisms:
An efficient Single Window needs fast-track arbitration or appeal processes. The International Chamber of Commerce notes clear dispute mechanisms can reduce trade disruptions by 40%

6- *Deterrents against non-compliance*: Real-time risk engines, audits, and fines for false declarations:
Dr. Musa said OECD studies indicate effective enforcement can raise overall compliance by 50%.

6. Data-driven insights*: NSW data on shipments, tariffs, and timing can detect revenue leaks, guide infrastructure investments, and flag suspicious cargo patterns linked to smuggling.

Musa emphasized the need for a true “one-stop shop” culture where all required documents are submitted only once, with close private sector involvement to meet business needs.

“Launching Nigeria’s National Single Window is not merely a technical upgrade. It is a strategic overhaul of our trade ecosystem,” he concluded.

“If we get these fundamentals right, the rewards will be transformative. Efficient systems correlate with 15% higher exports and 10% more FDI. This means more jobs, investment, and prosperity for Nigeria. The time to act is now.”- He said

Freight Forwarder Mr. Akeem Oyejento who represented the President of APPFLON and other speakers at the Seminar want Port users to embrace the National Single Window Programme with determination to mitigate against difficulties of uploading NSW and NDLEA Documents currently faced by port users .

The Seminar was attended by Representatives of Nigeria Customs Service, Truck Transit park , Freightforwarders, Maritime Journalists and other Stakeholders