The National Single Window (NSW) Project in Nigeria is scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2026. Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, revelead the statement in Lagos during the launch of the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee (PCEC), an initiative spearheaded by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in partnership with the NPA. Dr. Dantsoho also confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the modernization of both the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports under the national port modernization agenda.
In his address, Dr. Dantsoho stressed the importance of maintaining open communication with stakeholders, especially since the modernization efforts could disrupt ongoing port operations. He assured participants, including representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service, terminal operators, shipping companies, truck owners, and freight forwarders, that regular stakeholder engagements would be held to manage the transitional impact of construction activities. According to him, the upgrades at the Tin Can and Apapa ports will lead to deeper berths, expanded port space, and more robust quay aprons and engineering infrastructure.
The NPA boss also highlighted four strategic pillars critical to revitalizing the nation’s seaports—investment in infrastructure, equipment, technology, and human capital. He emphasized that most of Nigeria’s key ports, particularly Apapa and Tin Can Island, are severely outdated, with minimal renovations since their construction nearly 100 and 48 years ago, respectively. The federal government’s recent approval for the complete reconstruction of these ports is expected to significantly enhance their operational capabilities, including berth depth and cargo handling efficiency.
Port Community System
From a technological standpoint, Dr. Dantsoho revealed ongoing collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to roll out the Port Community System (PCS). This digital platform is considered essential for streamlining port operations by reducing paperwork, cutting costs, and minimizing human involvement. The PCS will serve as a foundation for the broader National Single Window, which integrates maritime operations into a unified national trade system. According to him, progress is being made, and once fully implemented, the PCS will improve transparency, boost capacity, and enhance revenue generation.
In terms of human resource development, the NPA is actively upgrading the skills of pilots and technical personnel to align with modern standards in maritime navigation and port operations. Dr. Dantsoho concluded by underscoring the importance of synergy among all stakeholders, stressing that the NPA alone cannot drive the needed reforms. He stated that achieving efficiency across the entire port ecosystem requires cooperation from all agencies and private sector players involved in port logistics.
Speaking at the same event, PEBEC Director General Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu described the PCEC as a critical mechanism to resolve long-standing inefficiencies in Nigeria’s maritime sector. She explained that improving port operations would reduce cargo dwell times, improve vessel turnaround, and simplify customer processes. According to her, the committee’s mission is not just to propose reforms, but to execute them, thereby unlocking economic potential, encouraging investment, and fostering job creation.