A one day Town Hall meeting of the National Single Window (NSW) and Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), among other maritime stakeholders, has come to a successful end in PortHarcourt.
Mr. Peter Ekunkoya
Presenting the aims and objectives of the National Single Window project to all and sundry participants at the meeting, Mr. Peter Ekunkoya, Director of Operations, National Single Window, disclosed that the activities of the body have been segmented for optimal service delivery.
He opined that the essence of the segment was to ensure effective progression from one stage to the other, as well as reaching out to some critical stakeholders that need to align with the mandate of the body.
While enumerating on the numerous benefits that awaits freight forwarders and other maritime stakeholders, Mr. Ekunkoya also advised them to be ready to absorb some of the challenges that would come alongside the benefits, even though such challenges may last for a while, according to him.
The Director of Operations further used the medium to call on freight forwarders that are yet to identify with their ongoing training programme across the zones to try and do so, adding that 27th of March, 2026 has been set aside to test run the progress they have made so far, while advancing on other stages.
Mr. Ekunkoya equally disclosed that the National Single Window team has opened several feedback channels for stakeholders to lodge their complaints, while advising them not to pay money to anybody in the course of their online registration for the NSW free training.
Responding to the issues raised by stakeholders during the question and answer session, which include but not limited to: internet challenges, multiple organisations’ interest on a particular product, who takes responsibility on demurrages not caused by freight forwarders, among others, were responded to by Mr. Ekunkoya, the Director of Operations, National Single Window.
Speaking at the event, the National President of ANLCA, Mr. Emenike Kingsley Nwokeoji lauded the Federal Government’s commitment to the actualisation of the National Single Window project.
He pointed out that they have been following the programme over the time and are eagerly waiting for the 27th of March, 2026 test run of the National Single Window project of the Federal Government.
In the same vein, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku, Chairman, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Onne Seaport chapter, based on the presentation by the Director of Operations, National Single Window, Mr. Peter Ekunkoya, was optimistic that government agencies operating at the ports would be held accountable for any failure or delay in the discharge of their duties.
He emphasised on their readiness to embrace the project, having been trained by the National Single Window team and as well, urged other freight forwarders that are yet to register for the free training to do so.
Some of the stakeholders at the event which include: Chief Emeka Nwosu, Chairman National Council of Managing Directors of Customs Licensed Agents, Onne Seaport chapter, Hon. Dr. Ike Okechukwu Anselem, Chairman, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Onne Seaport chapter and Prince Comrade Obinna Ugochukwu, Chairman, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (ARFFN), Onne Seaport chapter, among others, made their contributions at the event and called for the speedy implementation of the National Single Window transition.
