Nigerian Ports: Freight Forwarders Identify Key Issues to be Tackled Ahead of National Single Window Model Implementation
Containerised goods
• Want Single Window Administrator to harmonise all applications and handle licences and permits on behalf of customs
By Francis Ugwoke
As the federal government plans the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) at the nation’s ports, which implies bringing all agencies of government and other stakeholders in a single platform, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has expressed concerns and offered advice on how the model will enjoy robust take-off.
Chairman, Trade War Committee of NAGAFF, Dr. Increase Uche , said there are key concerns about the NSW implementation, pointing at duplication of digital platfoms which he opined should be addressed.
Noting that the Nigeria Customs Service is currently expanding its B’Odogwu Customs Clearance System, and has also created a web application for obtaining and renewal of licences and permits, Uche said it shall be “most appropriate that national Single Window ADMINISTRATOR should harmonise all applications and handle licences and permits on behalf of the customs”.
He argued that anything contrary shall lead to system of duplication in which
“traders may need to use multiple systems, Information may be submitted more than once and data may become inconsistent across platforms”.
Uche is a press statement said:
“A Single Window should ideally mean one platform for all trade documentation to enhance clarity, honour and integrity.
*2.Possible Institutional Resistance*
The development of separate systems by Customs may suggest that the Nigeria Customs Service is not fully integrating its functions into the Single Window system. This should be avoided completely
If this continues:
1. the Single Window may become just another portal
2. instead of the central system for trade facilitation
*3.Weak Integration of Regulatory Agencies*
The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria appears not to be fully integrated into the system.
“During registration on the NSW portal, some practitioners are not routed to CRFFN for regulatory verification
This is a problem because CRFFN is the statutory regulator of freight forwarding practitioners in Nigeria.
“Also, the NSW has not taken into account the collection of CRFFN’S POF.
It should be that upon submission of a consignment document to the NSW portal, POF shall be automatically calculated and billed to the consignee or his agent/Freight Forwarder.
“What we are saying here is the urgent need for harmonisation of processes and procedures, this is to the fact that single window is taking off in stages and serially
“We want to thank NSW Portal administrators in their efforts to educate and inform freight forwarding practitioners of the forthcoming transformation and migration
“It’s our belief that the customs as the lead agency of the government shall take responsibility to highlight and educate freight forwarding practitioners equally
“The crffn as the agency of the government charged with the responsibility of regulating and controlling the practice of freight forwarding in Nigeria shall step up it’s statutory functions to ensuring skills acquisition and knowledge among the freight forwarders
“Let us bear in mind that destination inspection is the trade regime policy of the government primarily. This simply means customs examination, wherein freight forwarding practitioners and onbehalf of their principals are expected to make honest declaration with honour and integrity to enhance seamless transition
“The relevance of Single window portal, paar, B’Odogwu etc are merely tools for trade facilitation, what we are saying here is that all parties must live an open mind to ensure that the new order succeeds
“It is not about customs, single window operator, CRFFN and critical stakeholders, it is about Nigeria and the dream of Mr President’s agenda for a renewed hope and greatness of our country
“We shall in due course may make further statements”.
By Francis Ugwoke
As the federal government plans the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) at the nation’s ports, which implies bringing all agencies of government and other stakeholders in a single platform, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has expressed concerns and offered advice on how the model will enjoy robust take-off.
Chairman, Trade War Committee of NAGAFF, Dr. Increase Uche , said there are key concerns about the NSW implementation, pointing at duplication of digital platfoms which he opined should be addressed.
Noting that the Nigeria Customs Service is currently expanding its B’Odogwu Customs Clearance System, and has also created a web application for obtaining and renewal of licences and permits, Uche said it shall be “most appropriate that national Single Window ADMINISTRATOR should harmonise all applications and handle licences and permits on behalf of the customs”.
He argued that anything contrary shall lead to system of duplication in which
“traders may need to use multiple systems, Information may be submitted more than once and data may become inconsistent across platforms”.
Uche is a press statement said:
“A Single Window should ideally mean one platform for all trade documentation to enhance clarity, honour and integrity.
*2.Possible Institutional Resistance*
The development of separate systems by Customs may suggest that the Nigeria Customs Service is not fully integrating its functions into the Single Window system. This should be avoided completely
If this continues:
1. the Single Window may become just another portal
2. instead of the central system for trade facilitation
*3.Weak Integration of Regulatory Agencies*
The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria appears not to be fully integrated into the system.
“During registration on the NSW portal, some practitioners are not routed to CRFFN for regulatory verification
This is a problem because CRFFN is the statutory regulator of freight forwarding practitioners in Nigeria.
“Also, the NSW has not taken into account the collection of CRFFN’S POF.
It should be that upon submission of a consignment document to the NSW portal, POF shall be automatically calculated and billed to the consignee or his agent/Freight Forwarder.
“What we are saying here is the urgent need for harmonisation of processes and procedures, this is to the fact that single window is taking off in stages and serially
“We want to thank NSW Portal administrators in their efforts to educate and inform freight forwarding practitioners of the forthcoming transformation and migration
“It’s our belief that the customs as the lead agency of the government shall take responsibility to highlight and educate freight forwarding practitioners equally
“The crffn as the agency of the government charged with the responsibility of regulating and controlling the practice of freight forwarding in Nigeria shall step up it’s statutory functions to ensuring skills acquisition and knowledge among the freight forwarders
“Let us bear in mind that destination inspection is the trade regime policy of the government primarily. This simply means customs examination, wherein freight forwarding practitioners and onbehalf of their principals are expected to make honest declaration with honour and integrity to enhance seamless transition
“The relevance of Single window portal, paar, B’Odogwu etc are merely tools for trade facilitation, what we are saying here is that all parties must live an open mind to ensure that the new order succeeds
“It is not about customs, single window operator, CRFFN and critical stakeholders, it is about Nigeria and the dream of Mr President’s agenda for a renewed hope and greatness of our country
“We shall in due course may make further statements”.
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