The Federal Government has rolled out Phase 1 of the National Single Window (NSW) initiative, aiming to significantly reduce cargo dwell time at Nigerian ports from the current 18–21 days to less than seven days before the end of the year.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, described the initiative as “a decisive step to modernise Nigeria’s trade ecosystem”.
He added, “It coincides with the deal last week to upgrade Apapa (built 1913) and Tin Can (built 1977) ports. This is a coordinated reform designed to cut cargo dwell time, reduce trade costs, and unlock economic growth.”
Edun explained that the reform became necessary due to the prolonged delays at Nigerian ports, noting that, “As of 2025, cargo dwell time in Nigerian ports averaged 18–21 days.” This is approximately 475% higher than the global average of 4 days.”
He pointed out that the extended delays have increased the cost of doing business, caused setbacks for importers and exporters, and reduced the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the global market.
The minister further revealed that about 73% of cargo dwell time is spent on documentation, customs processing, and regulatory approvals.
“This means the primary bottleneck is not physical infrastructure alone, it is process inefficiency,” he said.
According to him, the NSW is designed as a comprehensive solution to address these inefficiencies.
“Phase 1 of the NSW directly targets the 73% transaction delay component by introducing a single digital platform for trade documentation, eliminating multiple agency visits and duplicative processes.”
He added that the initiative will also introduce electronic submission of licences, permits, and certificates (LPCOs), digital manifest processing, centralised risk management across agencies, and transparent electronic payment systems.
These measures, he said, are expected to speed up document processing, reduce human interference, and create more predictable and transparent timelines for port operations.
In addition, Edun noted that port modernisation efforts are underway to address physical challenges, particularly at Apapa and Tin Can ports, which handle about 70% of Nigeria’s trade.
He explained that upgrading these ports would tackle issues such as congestion, inefficient cargo handling, and outdated infrastructure, ultimately leading to faster cargo movement, reduced congestion, and improved turnaround time for vessels and trucks.
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