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With the March 27, 2026 rollout of Nigeria’s National Single Window (NSW) platform approaching, freight forwarders, clearing agents, and traders across the country are undergoing intensive end-user training to prepare for a fully digital cargo clearance system.
The nationwide programme, coordinated by the NSW Secretariat, is taking place at accredited centres in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt. Lagos, the nation’s busiest maritime hub, remains central to the exercise, with sessions held at the Nigerian Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Academy in Apapa, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) National Secretariat in Amuwo Odofin, Rockview Hotel Apapa, and other locations. Participants are gaining hands-on experience by registering, logging in, and simulating cargo processing procedures ahead of deployment.
For many stakeholders, the training marks a clear departure from past government rollouts.
Prince Olusegun Oduntan, National Vice President of ANLCA, who visited one of the Lagos centres, said the practical sessions were equipping freight forwarders with essential digital skills.
Oduntan expressed optimism that the platform would significantly reduce cargo clearance time and improve transparency across the supply chain.
On his part, Godfrey Nwosu, National Secretary of NAGAFF, said the Secretariat’s decision to train users before launch demonstrated a commitment to proper implementation.
He noted that earlier reforms were often introduced without preparing end users, but described the NSW platform as easy to navigate, with company details automatically appearing once a Tax Identification Number is entered.
Nwosu, however, added that NAGAFF members were registering in large numbers and expressed confidence they would be ready before the launch.
Some participants have stressed that their initial doubts quickly disappeared during the training. Freight forwarder Eucharia Emenjor said she arrived unsure of her ability to use the system but found it straightforward. Another participant, Jennifer Okonkwo, described the interface as user-friendly, saying anyone familiar with a smartphone could operate it.
She added that the platform would reduce paperwork and allow operators to process transactions remotely.
Meanwhile, a former ANLCA Sole Administrator Babatunde Mukaila said the initiative could help curb corruption by making regulatory actions visible across agencies.
He noted that cargo alerts and interventions would now be transparent, reducing arbitrary delays and improving predictability in cargo clearance.
Stakeholders also highlighted the broader impact of the system. Okey Nerus, Chief of Staff to the NAGAFF President, opined that the platform would allow thousands of authorised users to view cargo declarations simultaneously, reducing physical contact with government agencies, lowering costs, and improving cargo tracking.
Freight forwarder Eligho Essiet added that mandatory registration of importers and exporters would eliminate the long-standing problem of unidentified cargo owners and strengthen accountability.
With weeks to the official launch, participation in the training has continued to grow, reflecting rising confidence among freight forwarders and clearing agents. Many stakeholders say the early engagement and hands-on preparation signal a more structured reform process, positioning the National Single Window to streamline trade procedures, improve transparency, and modernise Nigeria’s cargo clearance system.
