Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) have called on shipping companies and terminal operators to grant waivers on demurrage and storage charges for importers affected by delays linked to the rollout of National Single Window (NSW) at seaports.
Gatekeepers News reports that the appeal was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the NSC headquarters in Lagos, where representatives of government agencies, terminal operators, and shipping firms reviewed the progress and challenges of the new system.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of NSC, Akutah Pius, acknowledged the importance of the reform but noted its initial setbacks.
According to him, “the National Single Window is a significant development that has brought optimism to stakeholders. However, like any major reform, it comes with teething problems that must be collectively addressed to ensure seamless implementation.”
He added, “We now know that things are taking shape, gradually taking shape, and it’s for the benefit of all of us. We are here to look at, yet again, the implementation and some of the challenges that have arisen that we need to tackle together as a family, to ensure that we move on smoothly with the implementation stage.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NRS, Zach Adedeji, urged stakeholders to support importers during the transition period.
“Anywhere in the world, when there are changes, there are hitches and when there are things not part of business, people discuss for solutions and I want us to work together to resolve it.
“There have been some single window induced delays and that has led to delays in the clearance of cargoes. That is why we are here to seek your support while we are passing through this initial stage, we can get your support,” he said.
Adedeji noted that terminal operators and shipping companies had indicated willingness to grant waivers in cases where delays are directly linked to the new system, adding that such measures would ease the financial burden on affected importers.
He further stressed the need for full automation and digital integration across port operations, saying, “With the advent of the National Single Window, the need for full automation of systems has become even more crucial. Stakeholders must fast-track their digital integration to align with the platform and ensure smoother processes.”
Industry stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged the long-term benefits of the initiative but raised concerns about current technical issues slowing cargo clearance.
Responding on behalf of operators, Tunde Keshinro of Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited said, “It’s a national project that will benefit everyone. There are importers that are efficient and those with genuine needs would be attended to and we shouldn’t encourage inefficiencies.”
The National Single Window, which went live on March 27, is expected to streamline trade documentation, reduce human interaction, cut costs, and improve efficiency at Nigeria’s ports, despite the current implementation challenges.
