Maritime Agencies
SINGLE WINDOW HICCUPS: Shippers’ Council, Revenue Service Canvass Waivers for Importers .
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Shipping companies and terminal operators have been urged to grant waivers to importers and clearing agents affected by delays in the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) at the nation’s seaports.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) made the appeal during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the NSC headquarters in Lagos. This parley brought together representatives of the NSC, the NRS, NSW Secretariat, terminal operators, and shipping companies to review the progress and challenges of the newly introduced system.
At the meeting, the NSC Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Akutah Pius, remarked that even though the National Single Window initiative marks a major milestone for the ease of doing business in the maritime industry, its rollout is fraught with initial operational challenges impacting cargo clearance timelines.
The system which was birthed on 27th March 2026, he noted, represents a long-awaited reform aimed at streamlining port processes, enhancing transparency and improving efficiency across the sector.
“The National Single Window is a significant development that has brought optimism to stakeholders. However, like any major reform, it comes with teething problems that must be collectively addressed to ensure seamless implementation.”
Akutah explained that the engagement was convened at the instance of the NSW Secretariat to assess ongoing implementation efforts and find practical solutions to emerging bottlenecks, particularly those affecting cargo movement and clearance.
”We now know that things are taking shape, gradually taking shape, and it’s for the benefit of all of us. We are here to look at, yet again, the implementation and some of the challenges that have arisen that we need to tackle together as a family, to ensure that we move on smoothly with the implementation stage,” the ES stated.
He stressed the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, describing the port ecosystem as a “family” that must work together to overcome transitional challenges and sustain the gains of the reform.
The NSC boss further called on concessionaires and terminal operators to accelerate the automation of their operations, noting that seamless integration with the National Single Window is critical to achieving the intended efficiency gains.
“With the advent of the National Single Window, the need for full automation of systems has become even more crucial. Stakeholders must fast-track their digital integration to align with the platform and
ensure smoother processes,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zach Adedeji, urged shipping companies and terminal operators to show understanding by granting waivers on demurrage and storage charges incurred during the delay period.
Adedeji said such relief measures would cushion the financial burden on importers and clearing agents who have been adversely affected by system-related disruptions beyond their control.
”Anywhere in the world, when there are changes, there are hitches, and when there are things not part of business, people discuss for solutions, and I want us to work together to resolve it.”
”There have been some single window- induced delays, and that has led to delays in the clearance of cargoes. That is why we are here to seek your support. While we are passing through this initial stage, we can get your support,” he stated.
”But, Shipping Companies and Terminal operators have said if truly the delays are related to single window, they have internal process of discounting, giving the waiver, and beyond that, they are there to support us on all what is needed to make this program a successful program, because they all see the benefits of that,” Adedeji added.
He observed that new initiatives or policies often come with initial challenges, which necessitated the meeting with terminal operators and shipping companies.
Industry stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged the benefits of the Single Window initiative but expressed concerns over delays and technical issues that have slowed cargo clearance since its debut.
The National Single Window is expected to serve as a unified digital platform for processing trade-related documentation, reducing human interface, cutting costs and improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business.
Despite the current challenges, stakeholders expressed confidence that, with sustained collaboration, system upgrades, and temporary relief measures such as waivers, the initiative would ultimately deliver long-term benefits to the maritime sector and the broader economy.
In their intervention, shipping companies said the National Single Window is a project that would benefit everyone but should not be used to encourage inefficiencies.
According to Tunde Keshinro, the General Manager, Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), there are importers who are efficient. Therefore, cases with genuine need for waivers must be considered.
”It’s a national project that will benefit everyone. There are importers that are efficient, and those with genuine needs would be attended to, and we shouldn’t encourage inefficiencies,” he said.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Arising from weeks of intensive planning and stakeholder engagements, the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) hereby confirms readiness and an overwhelming industry stakeholders support for its planned special reception to honour her past presidents.
The reception is a landmark event aimed at celebrating leadership, service and the enduring contributions of media professionals to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The event which promises to be a gathering of industry heavyweights, ministry officials, policymakers, regulators, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders, is designed not only to honour past leaders of MARAN but to restate the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and driving sectoral growth.
Speaking on the event, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele noted that the reception serves as a platform to reflect on the legacies of past presidents whose leadership helped position the association as a respected voice in the maritime space.
He added that the event will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the media and industry operators at a time when the sector is undergoing significant reforms and modernization.
As stated by Funsho Olojo, Chairman, Reception Planning Committee, notable dignitaries from government institutions, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as heads of key maritime agencies, have indicated strong interest in attending the event.
Several corporate organizations and industry groups have also signified their willingness to support the initiative, underscoring its importance to the wider maritime community.
Mr Olojo, while giving an overview of the event, declared that it would serve as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work and quality leadership offered by past MARAN leaders.
”MARAN, as the projenitor of beat associations in the maritime industry, has produced finest individuals who have had the privilege of leading this great association.
”They have sacrificed their time, energy and intellect to make MARAN the greatest beat association in the maritime industry.
” More encouraging is the fact that all of these past leaders are currently doing well in their different endeavors.
” Some are excelling as Ministers of God in His vineyard, some are holding their own in the legal profession, some have become media moguls and employers of labour while some are practicing their crafts as political appointees.
” It is at this reception that MARAN hopes to unveil their excellence and celebrate their rising profiles”, Olojo declared.
The reception, which will be held on April 24, 2026 at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, is expected to feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions that will foster deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
As the momentum continues to build, the association therefore calls on industry stakeholders, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to be part of this historic event through sponsorships, partnerships, and active participation.
MARAN is the foremost maritime journalists beat association, and a professional body that is committed to promoting ethical journalism, capacity building, and informed reporting within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Come Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) and Hynek Media will host a one-day seminar at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa GRA, Lagos. This is part of efforts to create needed public awareness on the National Single Window (NSW), the Federal Government’s flagship trade facilitation project.
With the theme, “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure,” the parley provides a platform for stakeholders to openly discuss concerns and chart strategies for the effective implementation of the NSW.
Sub-themes of the seminar are Transparency in Single Window Project – A Key to Sustainability, and Inter-Agency Rival-Free Collaboration for NSW Success.
Dr. Segun Musa, Lead Consultant, Global Transport Policy, will deliver a keynote address while many maritime eggheads have been lined up as panel of discussants.
These include Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman, Customs Consultative Committee who chairs the event while Hon. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar, CRFFN will be the Co-Chairman.
Other high-profile participants expected include Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (Chief Guest of Honour), Mr. Tola Fakolade, Director, National Single Window (Special Guest of Honour), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, MD, Nigerian Ports Authority, and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG, NIMASA. Others are Dr. Pius Akutah MON, ES, Nigerian Shippers Council, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, Acting MD, NIWA, and Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, MD, Lagos Free Trade Zone.
The seminar will feature insights from customs controllers, freight forwarders’ associations, indigenous terminal operators, and regulators.
According to the organizers, the event offers a rare opportunity to harvest ideas and align government agencies, private operators and civil society organizations around a shared vision for a seamless trade ecosystem.
Officials project that the NSW could reduce transaction costs by up to 25% and increase government revenue by 20%. However, experts caution that Nigeria’s history of reform setbacks underscores the need for robust safeguards to ensure success.
Maritime Agencies
Akutah, Shippers’ Council Boss, Denies Political Distraction Claims, Insists He’s Focused on His Duties.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah says stakeholders and the general public should evaluate his performance based on policy outcomes and sector stability instead of speculating about personal political ambition as he will continue to operate within his mandate as CEO regardless of external narratives.
His commitment to the Nigerian maritime sector, he notes, is his priority as he ensures that regulatory interventions support economic growth, protect stakeholders’ interests and enhance Nigeria’s position in regional and global matitime trade.
Dr Akutah stated this while dismissing as unfounded and irrelevant suggestions that his alleged political ambition is affecting his performance or distracting him from his regulatory duties. Some
stakeholders have even linked their concerns to recent tensions over tariff adjustments and regulatory decisions in the maritime sector.
Akutah who said the allegations are a misrepresentation of his priorities stressed that his focus remains firm on the discharge of his statutory responsibilities under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
While public officials are often subject to speculation regarding personal political intentions, he insists, such narratives should not be allowed to overshadow institutional work or be used to undermine regulatory actions taken in good faith and in line with the law.
According to him, all decisions taken under his leadership have been guided strictly by legal provisions, stakeholder consultations, and the broader objective of maintaining balance within the maritime economy, rather than any personal or political considerations.
He maintained that the Council’s priority remains the protection of national trade interests, fair regulation of the port economy, and ensuring stability across the shipping and logistics value chain.
Akutah further noted that distractions arising from political rumours or external commentary do not alter the Council’s regulatory direction, as his administration continues to engage stakeholders and implement reforms aimed at strengthening efficiency and transparency in the sector.
He emphasized that leadership of a critical economic regulatory agency such as the NSC requires focus, continuity and adherence to due process. His attention , he insists, remains on institutional reforms rather than political pursuits.
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