ANLCA, NAGAFF affirm support for National Single Window project
By Uzor Odigbo
Licensed customs agents and freight forwarders under the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) have thrown their weight behind the National Single Window (NSW) Project, describing it as long-awaited relief for operators.
The associations endorsed the project and pledged full support for its implementation during separate town hall meetings in Apapa, Lagos with ANLCA members on Tuesday and NAGAFF on Wednesday.
ANLCA National President Emenike Nwokeoji described the NSW as a much-needed reform for licensed agents. He expressed excitement over the strong government backing and the political will of the current administration to eliminate multiple document submissions and repeated requirements.
Nwokeoji expressed confidence that the initiative would address overlapping functions among government agencies and ensure that any objection raised on the platform would be visible to all stakeholders. This, he said, would enhance transparency, speed up cargo clearance, and allow agents to submit documents remotely while tracking cargo movement.
“This project is going to help in making our jobs easier. That’s why we are giving it as much support as we can within our capacity. I believe strongly, on behalf of every licensed customs agent, that it will succeed,” he said.
At the NAGAFF engagement on Wednesday, National President High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi described the move as a positive and timely development that would significantly improve efficiency, transparency, and ease of doing business in the sector.
He said the association fully supports the initiative and welcomes it wholeheartedly, affirming that with proper training and stakeholder engagement, the reform would deliver its intended benefits to the industry and the national economy.
NAGAFF Founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam described the Single Window as a major breakthrough for the maritime sector. He said the interactive nature of the platform would make business transactions more seamless across the industry, adding that the project would add value to operational standards and enhance due process.
“The single window platform is the best thing that is going to happen in the maritime sector because it’s interactive. NAGAFF members will fully support this project, and we are always eager to embrace due process,” he said.
Leaders of both associations urged members to fully embrace the programme, drawing lessons from past transitions where delayed adoption caused operational challenges. They emphasised the importance of training provided by the NSW team and advised members to register online, attend sessions at designated centres, and share the knowledge gained with their staff.
