Nigerian Shippers' Council and NRS Advocate for Demurrage Waivers Amid Port Delays
The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) and the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) have jointly appealed to shipping companies and terminal operators to provide waivers on demurrage and storage charges for importers and clearing agents. This request comes in response to delays caused by the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) system at the nation's seaports, which has impacted cargo clearance timelines since its rollout.
Stakeholder Engagement Addresses NSW Implementation Challenges
During a stakeholders' engagement held at the NSC headquarters in Lagos, representatives from the Council, NRS, NSW Secretariat, terminal operators, and shipping companies convened to review the progress and challenges of the newly introduced system. The meeting aimed to assess ongoing implementation efforts and find practical solutions to emerging bottlenecks affecting cargo movement and clearance.
Dr. Akutah Pius, the Executive Secretary of NSC, acknowledged that while the National Single Window initiative marks a significant milestone for the maritime industry, its launch has been accompanied by initial operational challenges. He noted that the system, which went live on March 27, is a long-awaited reform designed to streamline port processes, enhance transparency, and improve efficiency across the sector.
"The National Single Window is a significant development that has brought optimism to stakeholders. However, like any major reform, it comes with teething problems that must be collectively addressed to ensure seamless implementation," Akutah stated. He emphasized the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, describing the port ecosystem as a "family" that must work together to overcome transitional challenges and sustain the gains of the reform.
NRS Calls for Understanding and Automation
Dr. Zach Adedeji, Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, urged shipping companies and terminal operators to show understanding by granting waivers on demurrage and storage charges incurred during the delay period. He explained that such relief measures would cushion the financial burden on importers and clearing agents who have been adversely affected by system-related disruptions beyond their control.
"Anywhere in the world, when there are changes, there are hitches and when there are things not part of business, people discuss for solutions and I want us to work together to resolve it. There have been some single window induced delays and that has led to delays in the clearance of cargoes. That is why we are here to seek your support while we are passing through this initial stage, we can get your support," Adedeji stated.
He added that shipping companies and terminal operators have agreed to consider waivers for delays linked to the NSW, with internal processes in place for discounting. Adedeji further called on concessionaires and terminal operators to accelerate the automation of their operations, noting that seamless integration with the National Single Window is critical to achieving the intended efficiency gains.
"With the advent of the National Single Window, the need for full automation of systems has become even more crucial. Stakeholders must fast-track their digital integration to align with the platform and ensure smoother processes," he emphasized.
Industry Response and Future Outlook
Industry stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged the benefits of the Single Window initiative but expressed concerns over delays and technical issues that have slowed cargo clearance since its rollout. The National Single Window is expected to serve as a unified digital platform for processing trade-related documentation, reducing human interface, cutting costs, and improving Nigeria's ease of doing business.
Despite the current challenges, stakeholders expressed confidence that, with sustained collaboration, system upgrades, and temporary relief measures such as waivers, the initiative would ultimately deliver long-term benefits to the maritime sector and the broader economy.
In response, shipping companies highlighted that the National Single Window is a project that would benefit everyone but should not be used to encourage inefficiencies. Tunde Keshinro, General Manager of Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), stated that importers with genuine needs for waivers would be considered, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining efficiency.
"It's a national project that will benefit everyone. There are importers that are efficient and those with genuine needs would be attended to and we shouldn't encourage inefficiencies," Keshinro said.
The engagement underscores a collective effort to navigate the transitional phase of the NSW implementation, with a focus on mitigating financial impacts on importers and ensuring the system's success for Nigeria's maritime industry.
