Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) on Tuesday conducted an assessment visit to the National Single Window (NSW) office in Apapa, Lagos.

The visit was aimed at reviewing the performance of the newly introduced trade facilitation platform, identifying challenges and charting the way forward.

The Chairman of NRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, acknowledged the role of President Bola Tinubu in the implementation of the project.

Adedeji, while reacting to concerns over initial operational challenges, assured that efforts were being made to mitigate the impact on traders.

“This is a special period. We will engage terminal operators and relevant stakeholders to ensure that demurrage charges are waived on affected containers,” he said.

He attributed some of the delays to the migration from the previous system, noting that not all transactions had been affected.

“When you have delays, it is only a percentage of the overall transactions, as many are processed seamlessly. The issue largely stems from migration from the old system,” he explained.

Adedeji urged stakeholders to remain patient, noting that the platform had simplified documentation processes.

“Instead of submitting cargo documents in multiple locations, stakeholders are now able to submit in one place. Even where delays occur, they are significantly reduced,” he said.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, described the visit as a review of progress made since the platform’s launch.

“We are here to assess progress, identify challenges and determine the way forward to ensure the success of the system,” he said.

Adeniyi expressed confidence in the long-term benefits of the platform.

“The National Single Window is here to stay. It will enhance trade facilitation, improve competitiveness and positively impact the economy,” he said.

He acknowledged initial technical challenges but noted that they were being addressed.

“We have experienced some glitches, but we are working collectively to resolve them and improve system efficiency,” he said.

The Director-General of PEBEC, Hajia Zahrah Audu, said the platform remained a key component of efforts to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

She noted that initial technical issues were expected but expressed optimism about the system’s potential.

“Yes, there will be teething problems, but the deployment of this system marks significant progress. It aligns with global best practices and evolving technology trends,” she said.

Audu also expressed optimism about achieving reduced cargo dwell time, noting that the platform could help improve turnaround time at the ports.

She reiterated PEBEC’s commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative. (NAN)