Federal Agencies Request Port Waivers as National Single Window Launch Causes Cargo Clearance Delays

NSC and NRS call for shipping waivers as Nigeria's National Single Window rollout causes port delays. Learn how agencies are addressing cargo bottlenecks.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 9:25 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Government Intervenes to Mitigate Financial Strain on Importers

Top tier federal authorities have formally approached terminal operators and shipping firms to request financial relief for importers burdened by recent seaport bottlenecks. During a high level stakeholders’ summit in Lagos, representatives from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Nigeria Revenue Service advocated for the issuance of waivers on storage and demurrage charges. These costs have accumulated due to operational friction following the implementation of the National Single Window, a digital infrastructure project designed to centralize and accelerate port documentation.

Teething Problems Mar the Rollout of Digital Trade Reforms

Akutah Pius, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, acknowledged that the transition to the new system has been met with significant initial hurdles. Although the National Single Window was inaugurated on March 27 to foster transparency and efficiency, the actual rollout has slowed down cargo clearance timelines. Pius characterized these complications as teething challenges typical of large scale industrial reforms, noting that the engagement was necessary to prevent these technical gaps from stalling the entire maritime ecosystem.

Revenue Service Demands Support During Transition Phase

Adding weight to the appeal, Zacch Adedeji, the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, emphasized that importers should not be penalized for system related disruptions. He urged shipping companies to consider the financial impact of demurrage on clearing agents who are currently navigating the unfamiliar digital architecture. Adedeji highlighted that the measure is a temporary necessity to cushion the economy, expressing appreciation for those terminal operators who have already indicated a willingness to grant waivers where the delay is directly attributable to the new platform.