Expect teething problems during Single Window launch, Academy warns port users

THE Registrar of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Academy, Mr Francis Omotosho has warned clearing agents and importers to expect teething problems by the time the National Single Window (NSW) is flagged off by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, the egistrar explained that such issues might lead to cargo delay, accumulation of demurrage payment and others for cargo owners.

According to Mr Francis Omotosho, “I expect teething issues when the National Single Window will be launched by end of March. The hitches will come from the agencies involved.

“I expect overlapping functions from the government agencies with similar roles and responsibilities. Many agencies of government will struggle to adjust to the new guidelines, particularly due to the fact that many are revenue-generating agencies.

“Also, network or system glitches might arise at the early stages of the NSW launch. Understanding the Single Window technicalities will come at a cost. A lot of dynamics involving shipping, freight forwarding will take its toll.

“I will advise the NSW Committee to brace up for these teething issues. They should come prepared. They shouldn’t allow these issues to catch them napping. The success of the NSW will depend on the ability of the committee handling the project to resolve all teething issues.

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“Most times at Nigerian ports, it has become a norm for cargo owners to suffer when new initiatives are being introduced. Most times, cargoes get trapped in the early day’s confusion, leading to additional charges being slammed on importers.

“This time around, we will expect the Committee handling the NSW to be more proactive. They have had enough time to fine-tune their operations.

“Yes, we will be expecting teething issues at the launch, but the ability of the committee to resolve this will determine whether the Single Window initiative has come to stay or not.”