Single window: APM Terminals, regulators to eliminate cargo bottlenecks

APM Terminals Apapa and key government regulatory agencies have stepped up efforts to eliminate operational bottlenecks affecting cargo clearance on the National Single Window (NSW) platform as Nigeria pushes to modernise trade processes and improve port efficiency.

The renewed commitment emerged at a Stakeholders and Customer Engagement Forum hosted by APM Terminals in Lagos, where officials of the National Single Window Project, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Joint Task Force and importers reviewed challenges slowing cargo processing.

Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, said the forum was designed to provide customers with direct access to regulators to identify operational challenges and develop practical solutions that would improve cargo clearance.

Government Relations Manager, Olayinka Akinlade, said the engagement reflects APM Terminals’ commitment to supporting seamless trade, noting that many of the concerns raised are linked to the ongoing transition to the National Single Window platform.

Director of Operations, National Single Window, Peter Ekunkoya, acknowledged that the rollout experienced early challenges, including user adaptation, payment issues and resistance to change, but said the platform has recorded significant improvements.

He disclosed that integration with the Nigeria Customs Service’s B’Odogwu platform has remained stable in recent weeks, with customer support requests dropping from about 30 per cent at the early stage of implementation to about 10 per cent as system performance improved.

Ekunkoya said technical issues relating to Harmonised System (HS) Code classification, quantity declarations and decimal entries are also being progressively resolved.

Officials of NAFDAC, SON, NAQS and NDLEA confirmed that their systems have now been integrated into the platform, enabling more efficient processing of import documentation.

Deputy Director at NAFDAC, Ayankop Ayankop, said the agency has overcome most of its initial technical challenges, while Chief Standards Officer of SON, Iliya Shall, identified incorrect documentation, poor awareness and improper use of HS Codes as major causes of cargo clearance delays.

During the interactive session, importers raised concerns over permit costs, overlapping regulatory requirements, HS Code classification and documentation discrepancies.

Responding, National Single Window Subject Matter Expert, Jude Oboh, explained that permit fees are based on invoice values and cargo volumes, adding that the platform is refining HS Code allocation to ensure importers receive only the permits required by relevant regulatory agencies.

Commercial Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, Kayode Daniel, assured stakeholders that all concerns raised would be reviewed with the relevant agencies to enhance service delivery and further strengthen the implementation of the National Single Window.

The engagement underscores growing collaboration between the private sector and government agencies to improve cargo clearance, reduce trade costs and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports.

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