N1.08trn Annual Loss To Absence Of Single Window Worries Port’s Council 

By: on October 25, 2021.
KOREDE FOGO
As Nigeria loses staggering N1.08trillion to absence of National Single Window (NSW) annually, a maritime think tank group, Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), has once again reiterated the need for NSW in the nation’s maritime sector.
The chairman of the group, Otunba Kunle Folarin made the call when he led his members on a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in Lagos.
He noted that an effective NSW will give Nigeria port competitive edge among its comptemporaries in West and Central Africa.
BUSINESSinsiderng reports that Nigeria introduced the single window concept at its seaports in 2006, to enable swift movement of goods and services in the ports and has since not been able to implement it.
Ironically, smaller countries in West Africa,  like Ghana, Togo and Senegal already have single window platforms working, while Nigeria is yet struggling to implement it which is why cargo clearance is still subjected to 100 per cent physical examinations, cargo dwell time at the ports still high and corruption still high due to  human contacts.
Also, the absence of a national single window platform at Nigeria’s seaports is reportedly costing federal government a whopping N1.08trillion in revenue from Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, among others annually.
Speaking, Otunba Folarin called for the institution of National Single Window (NSW), at the nation’s seaports saying it would give Nigeria a competitive edge over other maritime nations.
He, however, noted that all stakeholders are working assiduously to make the country a regional maritime hub.
NPCC chieftain also reiterated the need for intermodal transport in Nigerian maritime domain. He noted that an effective rail system and barge operations would address speedy evacuation of cargoes and reduce dependence on roads.
He affirmed the  readiness of NPCC to support NSC meet its regulatory aspirations at the nation’s port.
The NPCC boss said, they paid the visit to the Council because the port economic regulator is a key player in the on-going transformation of Nigerian ports.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hon. Emmanuel Jime expressed delight that the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council paid the visit to the Council.
Hon. Jime said that NSC will institute effective regulation at the Nigerian ports.
He said NSC was pushing for a legal frame work which would be of immense benefit to the transport industry.

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