Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria – October 11, 2025: The 100 per cent Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF has raised serious concerns over persistent operational bottlenecks and trade barriers that could undermine the successful implementation of Nigeria’s proposed Single Window platform.
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Ibrahim Tanko and made available to Harboursandport.com, the team warned that despite commendable reforms introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service under the current Comptroller-General, the transition process is being hampered by systemic inefficiencies and unchecked practices across the port ecosystem.
Tanko cited recurring issues with the B'Odogwu platform, including frequent network failures, delays in issuing debit notes, and misclassification of cargo for scanning. He noted that items such as pharmaceuticals and spare parts are routinely routed for scanning, only to be dropped for physical examination—resulting in additional costs and delays.
“These technical and procedural setbacks are not just frustrating—they are costly and threaten the credibility of the Single Window initiative,” Tanko said.
The team also accused shipping and terminal operators of arbitrarily increasing charges without regulatory approval or stakeholder consultation. According to Tanko, some operators impose demurrage fees even when shippers grant free days, further straining freight forwarders.
In addition, the statement highlighted the overreach of certain government agencies, including the Agricultural Quarantine Service, SON, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, which allegedly place holds on containers and seize goods beyond their statutory mandates.
“We are dealing with a web of inefficiencies that, if not addressed urgently, will derail the promise of a streamlined, transparent trade facilitation system,” Tanko warned.
The 100 per cent Compliance Team called on relevant authorities to intervene and restore order, emphasizing that the success of the Single Window platform depends on the elimination of these entrenched obstacles.
The team reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable freight forwarding practices and urged all stakeholders to prioritize collaboration and accountability in the interest of national economic growth.
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