The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Single Window (NSW) Secretariat, has commenced the maritime manifest submission phase of the National Single Window project, with a fresh sensitisation campaign targeting Customs officers, shipping companies and other maritime stakeholders.
The sensitisation programme, held at the Apapa Area Command on Tuesday, is part of efforts to deepen implementation of the National Single Window following the successful launch of Phase One of the initiative on March 27, 2026.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said the exercise builds on earlier stakeholder engagements conducted before and after the launch of the platform, describing the National Single Window as a globally accepted trade facilitation system that would strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in international commerce.
Adebakin noted that the platform was already delivering tangible benefits to the country by improving Nigeria’s standing in global trade while enhancing transparency and efficiency in cargo processing.
She explained that the National Single Window is designed not only to boost revenue collection but also to facilitate trade, improve data reliability and strengthen anti-smuggling operations.
According to her, the transition to electronic submission of maritime manifests does not alter the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service but simply provides a faster, more transparent and efficient process for submitting required documentation.
Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator of Customs Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, stressing that industry players are always consulted before the introduction of new policies and digital initiatives.
He described the sea manifest as a critical component of cargo declaration and risk management, urging shipping companies to submit accurate and timely manifests to support efficient cargo clearance and effective risk profiling.
National Coordinator of the National Single Window Project, Tola Fakolade, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its strong support towards the implementation of the initiative.
He disclosed that the platform has already recorded significant milestones, including the issuance of over 100,000 licences and permits, as well as the registration of more than 1,000 users.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, applauded participants for their active engagement and called on shipping companies, terminal operators and other stakeholders to sustain collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Single Window Secretariat.
He said stronger cooperation would accelerate trade facilitation, improve regulatory compliance, enhance transparency and further position Nigeria as a competitive destination for international trade.
