Nigeria Customs Intensifies National Single Window Implementation as Electronic Manifest Submission Begins
As the electronic manifest submission phase begins, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the National Single Window Secretariat, has intensified implementation of the NSW through a sensitisation programme for Customs officers, shipping lines, and other maritime stakeholders.
Speaking during the sensitisation at the Apapa Area Command on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, stated that the exercise builds on stakeholder engagements held before and after the successful launch of Phase One of the NSW on March 27, 2026.
DCG Adebakin described the platform as an international best practice that will strengthen Nigeria’s position in global trade.
“Since the introduction of the National Single Window, the country as a whole, not only the NCS, has begun to experience its benefits. Nigeria’s standing in international trade is improving, and the NCS remains committed to supporting the successful implementation of this initiative,” she said.
Adebakin explained that the NSW goes beyond revenue generation to deliver trade facilitation, reliable data, and stronger anti-smuggling measures.
She assured participants that the electronic submission would not alter the Service’s statutory responsibilities.
“It is simply a more efficient and transparent method of submitting the same documents,” she added.
In his remarks, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Mohammed Babandede, noted that stakeholder engagement remains a hallmark of the Service.
ACG Babandede stressed that Customs consistently consults industry players before introducing new policies and digital solutions.
“The sea manifest is central to cargo declaration and risk management. I urge shipping companies to submit compliant manifests promptly to support faster cargo clearance and efficient risk profiling,” he said.
On his part, the National Coordinator of the National Single Window Project, Tola Fakolade, commended the NCS for its unwavering support, noting that the platform has achieved significant milestones, including the issuance of over 100,000 licences and permits and the registration of more than 1,000 users.
Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, commended participants for their active engagement.
Comptroller Oshoba urged shipping companies, terminal operators, and other stakeholders to sustain collaboration with the NCS and the NSW Secretariat to accelerate trade facilitation, improve compliance, strengthen transparency, and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a competitive trading nation.
