MAJAN Seminar on National Single Window : Dr Eugene Nweke calls for trade facilitation targets for Nigeria Customs Service. (By Silas Onuoha)

MAJAN Seminar on National Single Window : Dr Eugene Nweke calls for trade facilitation targets for Nigeria Customs Service

By Silas Onuoha

The former President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr Eugene Nweke, has called on the Management of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to set trade facilitation targets for its Commands across the country, in order to put more emphasis on facilitating trade for greater economic prosperity.

Dr. Nweke made this known during his presentation at a seminar on; ‘Transforming Trade Facilitation; The Role of National Single Window on Enhancing Economic Efficiency’ organised by Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), recently.

He emphasised the need to balance revenue collection with trade facilitation for the National Single Window to be fully implemented.

As the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Eugene Nweke commended MAJAN for putting together such a laudable programme with important topic of national interest, saying the theme was apt and timely.

Speaking on the topic; ‘Enhancing Nigeria’s International Trade Security and Port Value-adding Supply Chain’ Dr Nweke made the following recommendations :
“Establish trade facilitation targets for Customs and regulatory agencies.

“Adopt a holistic implementation approach; balance revenue collection with trade facilitation goals. Set trade facilitation targets for Customs and regulatory agencies. Encourage stakeholders engagement, foster collaboration among government agencies, customs authorities and the private sector players.”

Going further Dr Eugene said: “Invest in infrastructure and training, provide adequate resources for development, maintenance and training.

“Ensure regular monitoring and evaluation, regularly assess the performance of the NSW and make necessary adjustments. ”

“It is my candid position that Nigeria’s International trade security and port value-adding supply chain face significant challenges, including inefficiencies, corruption, and lack of transparency. To address these challenges, the National Single Window initiative has been launched.

“The key objectives include enhancing Nigeria ‘s global trade competitiveness, promoting economic growth, streamlining processes to reduce cargo dwell time, costs, in order to increase transparency and accountability in the system.”

Dr Nweke went on : “The National Single Window has the capacity to streamline trade processes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and increase transparency. By providing a single interface for traders to manage all imports, exports and transit-related regulatory requirements, the NSW enhances Nigeria’s trade and competitiveness.

“The benefits of implementing NSW include increased economic activities and revenue collection. reduced cargo dwell time, costs, streamlined clearance processes to reduce storage coats and other expenses.”

“Trade ought to promote peace globally, but i wondered if trade is actually promoting peace in Nigeria currently,”he said.

Dr. Nweke stressed that the National Single Window is an initiative that can transform trade in Nigeria and bring significant benefits to the nation’s
economy if given needed attention.

“Regrettably, People are politicising the NSW initiative rather than embracing it in all ramifications,”he conceded.