Citing significant interruptions to port operations and commercial activity, Kayode Farinto, a former Acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, has urged the Federal Government to temporarily halt the National Single Window system.
Following its difficult implementation, the National Single Window initiative—which aims to simplify trade procedures through a single digital platform—has come under growing scrutiny. Stakeholders are calling for swift government action to restore normalcy at the country’s ports.
that import licenses, permits, and certifications for important regulatory bodies, such as NAFDAC and SON, are processed via the one platform in the initial phase of the rollout.
In an interview, Farinto voiced his dissatisfaction with the system’s performance since its launch on March 27, pointing out that stakeholders have been unable to complete cargo declarations—one of the most important procedures in port operations.
When a new system is implemented, we often anticipate some issues. However, the current situation goes beyond that; it is a complete obstruction. We have not been able to issue a declaration since March 27. This is really regrettable,” he remarked.
He warned that shipments are building up at ports while importers continue to face significant demurrage and storage charges, characterizing the situation as a full-blown catastrophe.
“People’s belongings are stuck. Businesses are suffering, storage costs are rising, and demurrage is mounting. “This is obviously a crisis,” emphasized Farinto.
According to Kayode Ibrahim, a freight forwarder, some service providers are taking advantage of the situation by raising prices, which puts further strain on already suffering importers.
Inadequate preparation and low stakeholder participation before the system’s deployment were blamed by Farinto for the issue.
Farinto cautioned that the standstill in port operations is already having an effect on the Nigerian economy, characterizing the development as a “total collapse of the industry.”
According to Lucky Amiwero, another maritime specialist, losses since the system’s implementation have reached hundreds of billions of naira, and if immediate action is not done, they could rise even higher.
He suggested going back to the old system for a period while authorities dealt with the platform’s operational and technical issues.
“They ought to stop it right away and go back to the previous arrangement. Let them close the gaps and properly relaunch it, perhaps in the upcoming quarter. He said, “There is no shame in acknowledging difficulties; what matters is safeguarding the national interest.”
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