The CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Ukeyima Akutah, says the National Single Window will transform Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Mr Akutah spoke in Lagos after a consultative meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Shipping Services and Related Matters, led by Abdussamad Dasuki.

In a statement by NSC spokesperson, Rebecca Adamu, he described the platform as “a game-changer for port administration and trade facilitation”.

He said that once operational, the system would “fundamentally enhance transparency and streamline trade processes by eliminating fragmented manual procedures”.

According to him, the initiative will address longstanding bottlenecks caused by agencies operating in silos across the port system.

“The National Single Window will drive synergy and coordinated collaboration by consolidating processes into a unified digital ecosystem,” he said.

Mr Akutah reaffirmed the council’s role as port economic regulator, noting its strides in restoring order and raising operational standards.

The committee chairman, Abdussamad Dasuki, commended the NSC for integrating port stakeholders towards successful implementation.

Mr Dasuki called for broader stakeholder engagement, saying the project carries “profound implications for Nigeria’s national economy”.

The NSW was launched on April 16, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.

The project aims to implement a centralised electronic trade platform and is expected to be fully operational in Nigerian ports by March 2026.

(NAN)