Less than 48 hours to the official launch of the National Single Window (NSW) platform, clearing agents operating at the nation’s seaports have urged the federal government to suspend the implementation of the initiative, alleging that it contains unspecified and multiple charges.

In a petition addressed to the Presidency and signed by the NCMDLCA President, Lucky Amiwero, the association argued that the framework of the platform contradicts the provisions of existing laws governing customs administration and trade facilitation in Nigeria.

The agents, under the aegis of the National Council of managing directors of Customs Licensed Agents (NCMDLCA), claimed that the platform embeds hidden clearing costs imposed by various government agencies on importers and licensed customs agents, which could further increase the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.

According to the group, the development could make Nigeria’s seaports the most expensive in the world and undermine ongoing efforts to improve trade facilitation.

The National Single Window platform is scheduled to go live on March 27, 2026.

The council further maintained that the initiative contravenes the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and amounts to duplication of functions as well as an outright usurpation of the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The group warned that the contradictions and limitations within the framework of the platform could create obstacles to trade, encourage diversion of cargo to neighbouring countries, and negatively impact Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the Nigerian economy.

“The National Single Window Portal has no relation with the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, which is meant strictly for tax matters. It usurps, duplicates and contravenes several provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 35 of 2023. It also runs contrary to international best practices and domestic frameworks on trade facilitation,” the petition stated.

The association stressed that while the Nigeria Revenue Service is responsible for tax administration, the Nigeria Customs Service remains the statutory authority on trade procedures, including classification, interpretation, treatment and application of trade laws under global frameworks such as the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

“Customs procedures are quite different from tax matters. Any organisation not trained in customs operations cannot effectively streamline import, export and excise procedures as required under Section 83. The revenue service does not possess such operational expertise,” the group said.

According to the council, the Single Window concept is provided for under the Trade Facilitation Agreement primarily as a tool for trade facilitation rather than revenue generation, particularly under Article 4 and related provisions which Nigeria domesticated under Section 4(d) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act.

It argued that the current Nigerian Tax Administration Act lacks the international conventions and domestic legal framework governing the implementation of a single window system.

“The Nigeria Revenue Service are not a trade procedure expert and cannot streamline import, export and trade procedures. The Nigeria Customs Service is clearly designated as the lead agency under Section 28 of the Customs Act and Sections 1A and 1B of the Port Related Offences (Amendment) Act 61 of 1999,” the petition added.

NCMDLCA also pointed out what it described as duplication of the single window framework in both the Nigeria Customs Service Act 35 of 2023 and the Tax Administration Act 5 of 2025.

Citing provisions of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, the association noted that Article 4.1 requires member states to establish or maintain a Single Window that enables traders to submit documentation and data requirements for import, export or transit of goods through a single entry point to participating agencies.

According to the agreement, once such documentation has been submitted through the Single Window and examined by relevant authorities, the results should be communicated to the applicant through the same platform on time.

However, the council argued that the proposed National Single Window portal contradicts these principles.

“Section 4.2 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement states that where documentation or data requirements have already been received through the Single Window, the same information should not be requested again by participating agencies except under limited and clearly defined circumstances,” the group stated.

The association therefore called on the Federal Government to suspend the rollout of the platform and conduct wider stakeholder consultations to address the legal, operational and cost-related concerns raised by industry operators. (LEADERSHIP)