MAJAN Seminar: Successful NSW Implementation Hinges On Stakeholders Commitment – Forwarder Idowu Omotosho
MAJAN Seminar:
Successful NSW Implementation Hinges On Stakeholders Commitment – Forwarder Idowu Omotosho
By Silas Onuoha
A Senior Forwarder of Nigeria, and Registrar, NAGAFF Academy, Forwarder. Idowu Omotosho, at a one day seminar held at Rockview hotel, Apapa Lagos on Thursday by Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN). With the theme, “Transforming Trade Facilitation: Role of NSW in Enhancing Economic Efficiency”. said that successful NSW Implementation Hinged On Stakeholders Commitment.
Forwarder Omotosho applauded MAJAN for coming up with a seminar that discusses important topic like National Single Window Project.
During his presentation titled “Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Trade: The Roles of National Single Window (NSW) in Combating Corruption,” Omotosho explained that the National Single Window is a global trade facilitation tool rooted in international agreements such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL), the World Customs Organization (WCO) Kyoto Convention, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement.
According to Omotosho, there are three categories of National Single Windows globally, which are Single Window for Foreign Trade Clearance Formalities, Single Window for Logistics Coordination and the National Integral Single Window. He noted that the latter model represents the most comprehensive approach but also complex, as it involves stakeholders from different legal and administrative backgrounds.
Forwarder Omotosho emphasized that successful NSW implementation hinges on stakeholder commitment, particularly from public agencies such as Customs and regulatory bodies. “While private sector participants generally embrace such reforms due to clear economic benefits, government agencies may perceive them as threats to influence and control,”he said.
Highlighting the need for an appropriate legal framework and model for the project, Omotosho informed that the NSW is not just a digital reform but a paradigm shift in public governance. He described it as the “highest standard of excellence in public service delivery” that will Reduce corruption and revenue leakages; Simplify clearing processes; Enhance trade transparency; Increase government revenue; Attract foreign direct investment; Support overall economic growth.
He stressed that a fully implemented NSW will transform Nigeria’s trade sector, enabling traders to comply easily with government regulations and reducing delays at ports.
Forwarder Omotosho proposed what he termed the “five lesses” agenda for a fully optimized cargo clearance system across Nigeria’s seaports, airports, and land borders with Paperless Operations, which is a 100% electronic processing with one single clearance approval document. He noted that the five lesses agenda is the way forward for the initiative to work.
The “five lesses” according to him are Cashless Operations, which is full use of electronic payment systems. Timeless Operations, which is 24-hour cargo clearance and surveillance; and Taxless Operations, which is a simplified taxation through a single tax point and reduced tariffs.
Speaking further, he recommended a regional integration with the adoption of a single African currency. “Anything short of this is a waste of time,” Omotosho concluded, calling on all stakeholders to align for the success of the initiative.
