APM Terminals Rallies Stakeholders to Resolve National Single Window Cargo Clearance Bottlenecks

APM Terminals Apapa has brought together key government agencies and importers to tackle operational challenges hindering cargo clearance on the National Single Window (NSW) platform. The forum aimed to foster direct dialogue and find practical solutions to improve trade facilitation at Nigeria's ports.

Representatives from the NSW Project, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NAFDAC, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), NDLEA, and the Joint Task Force engaged with customers to address concerns. These issues ranged from permit processing and Harmonised System (HS) Codes to documentation errors and overlapping regulations. Kamal Alhraishat, Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, emphasized the importance of an open platform for customers to voice their challenges.

“

We want customers to be vocal about the issues they are facing so that together we can find practical solutions and continue improving the cargo clearance process.

Olayinka Akinlade, APM Terminals Apapa Government Relations Manager, highlighted the company's commitment to efficient trade by connecting customers with relevant agencies. She noted that many concerns stem from the ongoing transition to the NSW platform, making continuous stakeholder engagement crucial for smooth implementation.

Peter Ekunkoya, Director of Operations for the National Single Window, acknowledged initial challenges such as resistance to change, payment issues, and user adaptation. However, he assured stakeholders that the platform is steadily improving and designed to eliminate delays. NAFDAC's Deputy Director, Ayankop Ayankop, described the implementation as a learning process with steady improvements, while SON's Chief Standards Officer, Iliya Shall, identified incorrect documentation and inadequate awareness as common causes of delays.

“

The National Single Window is designed to eliminate delays and make trade transactions easier. We encourage stakeholders to continue asking questions and providing feedback because we are committed to resolving operational issues.