As the maritime manifest submission phase begins, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in collaboration with the National Single Window (NSW) Secretariat has intensified implementation of the single window through a sensitisation programme for Customs officers, shipping lines and other maritime stakeholders.
The Deputy Comptroller-General, ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, while addressing participants at the sensitisation at Apapa Area Command on Tuesday, 4 August, said the exercise is a follow up to the stakeholder engagements held before and after the successful launch of Phase One of the single window on 27 March 2026.
She said the platform was an international best practice, which would bolster the country’s standing in global trade.
“From the day of the National Single Window, the benefits are now beginning to be felt by the country and not only the Nigeria Customs Service. Nigeria’s position in international trade is improving and the NCS remains committed to supporting the successful execution of this initiative,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Mohammed Babandede, said stakeholder engagement is still a hallmark of the service.
He said that Customs always considers the industry players first before launching new policies or digital solutions.
The sea manifest is crucial for cargo declaration and risk management. “I advise shipping companies to file compliant manifest timely to help speedy clearance of cargo and efficient profiling of risk,” Babandede said.
But the National Coordinator, National Single Window Project, Tola Fakolade, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its sustained support, saying the platform has achieved significant milestones including issuance of over 100,000 licences and permits and registration of over 1,000 users.
The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba commended the active engagement of the participants.
He also called on the stakeholders to continue to work with the Customs and the National Single Window Secretariat to speed up trade facilitation, improve compliance, enhance transparency and make Nigeria a competitive trading nation.
