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Customs, NSW Secretariat Begins Manifest Submission ...Sensitise Stakeholders To Boost Trade Facilitation, Transparency and Compliance

By Anne Ejuka


The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Single Window (NSW) Secretariat, commenced the maritime manifest submission phase of the National Single Window project with a sensitisation programme for Customs officers, shipping lines, Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders and other maritime stakeholders.



The sensitisation exercise, which was held at the Apapa Area Command on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, formed part of the ongoing efforts to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the digital platform and ensure seamless implementation of the initiative across Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, said the programme builds on extensive stakeholder engagements conducted before and after the successful launch of Phase One of the National Single Window on March 27, 2026.

Describing the National Single Window as a globally recognised trade facilitation platform that aligns Nigeria with international best practices while enhancing the country’s competitiveness in global commerce, the DCG stated that the implementation of the platform is already yielding positive results beyond the Nigeria Customs Service, with Nigeria recording improved standing in international trade.

In her words, “Since the introduction of the National Single Window, the country as a whole, not only the NCS, has begun to experience its benefits. Nigeria’s standing in international trade is improving and the NCS remains committed to supporting the successful implementation of this initiative".

While explaining that the National Single Window is designed not only to enhance revenue generation but also to facilitate trade, improve the quality and reliability of trade data, and strengthen anti-smuggling operations through more efficient information management, DCG Adebakin however, assured stakeholders that the transition to electronic maritime manifest submission would not alter the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service, stating that it is simply, more efficient and transparent method of submitting the same documents. she urged stakeholders to embrace the digital process for improved operational efficiency.

Also speaking at the sensitization, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs ACG Mohammed Babandede, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, reaffirming that consultation with industry players has remained a defining feature of Customs reforms and digital transformation initiatives.

He emphasised the strategic importance of the sea manifest in cargo declaration, risk assessment and border security, calling on shipping companies to ensure prompt and accurate submission of compliant manifests.

“The sea manifest is central to cargo declaration and risk management. I urge shipping companies to submit compliant manifests promptly to support faster cargo clearance and efficient risk profiling,” Babandede said

The National Coordinator of the National Single Window Project, Tola Fakolade, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its sustained commitment to the successful implementation of the initiative.


He disclosed that the National Single Window platform has already recorded remarkable milestones, including the issuance of more than 100,000 licences and permits, as well as the registration of over 1,000 users, reflecting increasing adoption by stakeholders.

In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, applauded participants for their active involvement during the sensitisation exercise and urged shipping companies, terminal operators and other stakeholders to sustain collaboration with both the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Single Window Secretariat.

He said stronger partnership among all stakeholders would accelerate trade facilitation, enhance regulatory compliance, improve transparency in cargo processing and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a competitive trading nation in the global maritime industry.

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