NPCC advocates quick implementation of Single Window Project
Lagos -- The Nigerian Port Consultative Council, NPCC, has declared support for the newly inaugurated Committee on the Single Window Project and called for its quick implementation.
In a statement, the chairman of the Council, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, said the project, when fully implemented, will not only increase the ease of doing business in Nigerian ports, but will assist the facilitation of trade in sea ports and border ports.
Sunmola said the Council was ready to assist the implementation of the project by way of monitoring its progress and giving necessary advisory support.
He explained that about ten years ago, the Council undertook a study of the Single Window Project to Ghana and saw how successful it was and had advised the then government to introduce it. He added that ten years after that visit, Nigeria is just taking steps to bring about the same project.
He said: “The Nigerian Port Consultative Council, about ten years ago went on a visit to Ghana to understudy its Port Community System and it was shocking to find out that they had implemented the Single Window System.
“Sadly, ten years after that visit, Nigeria is still grappling with the project. At NPCC, we hope that with the inauguration of the Single Window Committee by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has charged the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, this will eventually take off.
“The NPCC urged the immediate commencement of the project across all ports in Nigeria as directed by the president. The Council suggests that the project be implemented on a port-by-port basis until it is perfected across all ports.
“T h e commencement of the Single Window project will not only enhance trade facilitation, but it will also block revenue leakage and make Nigerian ports more competitive.