The Federal Government has intensified its drive to implement a National Single Window system at ports by 2026 in a move expected to drastically cut cargo clearance time and enhance transparency in maritime trade processes.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking on Thursday at the second meeting of the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee at the State House, Abuja, said the digital platform—set for rollout in the first quarter of 2026—will harmonise documentation, reduce human contact, and improve efficiency across the ports ecosystem.
“Our goal is to reduce the average cargo clearance time in Nigeria to under seven days by the end of 2026 and to position our ports among the top three most efficient trade gateways on the continent. The National Single Window will be a game changer,” the Vice President stated.
Shettima expressed concerns over the current clearance delays, noting that cargo dwell time in Nigeria averages 18–21 days, compared to five to seven days in Ghana and as little as four days in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
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According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima added that clearance costs in Nigeria are estimated to be 30 percent higher than in peer economies.
“These inefficiencies are not just statistics; they are symptoms of an economic ailment that costs us investments, drives up consumer prices, and weakens our export competitiveness. We simply cannot afford to continue down this path,” he said.
The Vice President also announced that a draft Executive Order mandating joint physical inspections of cargoes—aimed at eliminating multiple examinations and bureaucratic overlap—is with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and will soon be approved.
Shettima directed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Immigration Service, NAFDAC and other key agencies to produce a roadmap for strengthening the national weights and measures system to ensure consumer protection and fair trade practices.
“The era of siloed operations must end. Inter-agency rivalry must give way to inter-agency synergy. We are only as efficient as our collaboration allows”, he warned.
Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Audu, lamented the cost of delays to the economy and stressed the need for unified action to improve the business climate.
NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, highlighted ongoing efforts including joint inspections and infrastructure upgrades, but said deeper collaboration, technology adoption, equipment improvement, and capacity building remain critical.
“Until there is partnership, you cannot achieve efficiency at the ports,” he said.
