NCS and NSW Secretariat Flag Off Electronic Maritime Manifest Submission

NCS and NSW Secretariat Flag Off Electronic Maritime Manifest Submission
By Our Correspondent

The Nigeria Customs Service has moved to the next stage of the National Single Window implementation with the commencement of electronic maritime manifest submission. To prepare stakeholders for the transition, the Service in partnership with the National Single Window Secretariat organised a sensitisation session for officers, shipping lines, terminal operators and other players in the maritime sector.

The engagement was held on Tuesday, 4 August 2026 at the Apapa Area Command in Lagos. It follows earlier consultations held before and after the formal launch of Phase One of the National Single Window on 27 March 2026. Officials said the current phase is designed to digitise manifest lodgement and align Nigeria’s trade processes with global standards.

Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, who addressed participants, said the platform is already delivering value beyond Customs. According to her, the introduction of the National Single Window has started to improve Nigeria’s profile in international trade and is creating a more predictable environment for business. She noted that the system will support trade facilitation, enhance access to reliable data, and strengthen efforts against smuggling.

Adebakin clarified that the move to electronic submission does not change the statutory duties of the Service. She explained that the process only replaces manual paperwork with a faster and more transparent channel for submitting the same documents required by law. She added that officers will continue to carry out their regulatory, enforcement and revenue responsibilities within the new digital framework.

Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, said stakeholder consultation remains central to how Customs introduces reforms. He described the sea manifest as a critical document for cargo declaration and risk assessment. He called on shipping companies to ensure timely and accurate submission of manifests, noting that compliance will help speed up cargo clearance and improve the Service’s ability to profile risk effectively.

The National Coordinator of the National Single Window Project, Tola Fakolade, highlighted progress recorded so far. He said the platform has issued more than 100,000 licences and permits and has registered over 1,000 users across different agencies and trade groups. He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its consistent support in driving adoption and integration across the maritime sector.

In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, appreciated participants for their turnout and contributions during the session. He urged shipping companies, terminal operators and other stakeholders to maintain close collaboration with both the NCS and the NSW Secretariat. He said sustained partnership will help deepen compliance, improve transparency, and position Nigeria as a more competitive destination for trade.

With the maritime manifest submission phase now live, officials said further engagements will continue across other ports to ensure smooth adoption and address operational concerns raised by stakeholders.