The federal government has outlined a strategy to reduce the cost of port operations by at least 25 percent through the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) system. This initiative aims to improve Trade facilitation, increase transparency, and streamline operations to enhance efficiency within the maritime sector. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this plan at a stakeholders’ forum on the NSW establishment in Lagos. He emphasised that the project is expected to drive cost reductions and improve the country’s overall business efficiency by eliminating unnecessary delays and improving stakeholder coordination.
Beyond implementing the NSW, the federal government prioritises Multimodal Transport integration to reduce further costs associated with cargo movement. The administration is improving road, rail, and inland waterway links to facilitate smoother transportation to and from the wharf. These efforts include clearing the long-standing Apapa-Tin Can-Mile 2 traffic congestion, a notorious bottleneck that has hindered terminal efficiency for years. Additionally, the government has deployed new maritime infrastructure, such as tugboats, mooring boats, pilot cutters, bollards, and fenders, across various terminals to enhance operations.
NPA’s implementation of a national single window for trade facilitation.
As a result, vessel turnaround time has been reduced from an average of seven days to five days, while truck turnaround time has improved significantly from ten days to just a few hours. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is leading the implementation of the NSW, which aims to integrate all trade-related stakeholders onto a single digital platform. This system will enable importers, exporters, commercial banks, carriers, Customs, ministries, and other government agencies to carry out their operations seamlessly in one online environment.
Moreover, the NSW aligns with global best practices in trade facilitation, allowing for the electronic exchange of information across multiple modes of transport, including sea, air, and land. According to the NPA, this initiative will enhance the country’s competitiveness and position the country to benefit fully from global trade opportunities. The introduction of a Port Community System (PCS) will further support compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL), which aims to standardise wharf procedures and minimise delays.
Previous reforms and challenges affecting efficiency in the sector.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s maritime sector has historically played a central role in the country’s trade system, and successive administrations have made various reform efforts to enhance efficiency. Under former President Goodluck Jonathan, the government advanced the modernisation and privatisation of maritime operations by concessioning terminals to private operators. This led to improved cargo handling and a reduction in vessel turnaround times. Additionally, the Jonathan administration invested in the sector infrastructure, including Dredging projects at Lagos and Calabar terminals to accommodate larger vessels.
Efforts were also undertaken at Apapa and Tin Can Island terminals to support growing trade volumes. Security and Revenue generation saw improvements with the introduction of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN), designed to monitor cargo movements and curb Smuggling activities. Despite these efforts, several systemic challenges have hindered optimal maritime efficiency. Issues such as congestion, corruption, and inadequate Infrastructure remain prevalent. Manual processes, excessive checkpoints, and bureaucratic bottlenecks further complicate operations, necessitating ongoing reform efforts in subsequent administrations.
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With these new developments and continued improvements in infrastructure, the federal government aims to make Nigeria the leading maritime hub in West Africa. The move to streamline trade procedures through digitalisation will attract more investments in the sector while boosting revenue generation. The government is positioning the nation’s ports for a more competitive future by addressing long-standing inefficiencies and embracing innovative solutions. If effectively implemented, these measures will reduce operational costs, enhance Logistics efficiency, and create a more conducive environment for trade growth in the country.