SCAN Urges Adequate Structures Ahead National Single Window Rollout

As Nigeria prepares for the planned rollout of the National Single Window (NSW) on March 27, 2026, the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) has called on the federal government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that all necessary structures are in place for Nigerians to fully benefit from the initiative.

In a statement issued at the weekend, the President of SCAN, Moses Ebosele, said that while the NSW represents a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s trade processes, improving transparency and enhancing operational efficiency at the nation’s ports, its implementation must be carefully structured to avoid disruptions.

According to him, the initiative has the potential to simplify documentation processes, reduce cargo clearance time, and strengthen coordination among government agencies involved in international trade.

Ebosele, however, noted that the success of such a transformative platform depends largely on adequate preparation, strong institutional coordination and proper integration of stakeholders.

“The introduction of the National Single Window is a welcome development and a major reform capable of improving Nigeria’s trade competitiveness. However, it is important that the NSW Secretariat ensures that all operational, technical and institutional frameworks are properly established before the official rollout,” he said.

He stressed that port users, freight forwarders, shipping companies, terminal operators and regulatory agencies must be adequately prepared and properly integrated into the system to prevent confusion, delays or disruptions in cargo clearance processes once the platform goes live.

The SCAN President also urged the NSW Secretariat to intensify engagement with industry stakeholders and ensure that adequate testing, training and system integration are completed ahead of the launch date.

“A reform of this magnitude requires robust infrastructure, seamless inter-agency connectivity and adequate sensitisation of stakeholders. Rushing the rollout without ensuring that all components of the system are fully operational could create avoidable challenges for port users and the wider trading community,” he added.