The Registrar/CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr. Kingsley Igwe, has emphasised the need for domesticating the National Single Window technology to ensure effective implementation and benefits.
He identifed a huge opportunity for investment with the adoption of the National Single Window, NSW.
Speaking during a panel session at the ongoing National Single Window Stakeholders Forum in Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Igwe stressed that the National Single Window Technology should be a local content initiative, devoid of foreign consultants.
He cited Singapore’s success in developing its own single window system without external help.
He explained: “Singapore never used any foreign consultant but a local knowledge initiative, an innovation that originated from within Singapore.
“So whatever we are putting up for National Single Window should originate from Nigeria, should be a Nigerian borne law that has that initiative to come up with the technology. Then we will be able to use it effectively.”
The CRFFN boss highlighted the current challenges with third-party revenue collection, including accessibility issues and time wasted resolving network problems.
In contrast, a domesticated National Single Window would eliminate these issues, as it would be within Nigeria’s control.
“For example, currently I’m using a third party for revenue collection and there’s a whole lot of issues; people cannot access payment and all of that. It takes me time to contact them, to go to the bank to rectify whatever network issue or whatsoever. Before they could do all of that, there’s a lot of time lapse.
“But if it is something within your vicinity, it is your own. You don’t need to spend that time, wasting time and then you’re losing money because time is money.
“So that is why I want to call that the National Single Window should be domesticated,” Igwe stated.
Regarding investment opportunities, Igwe noted that adopting the National Single Window would create a huge potential for investment, particularly in capacity enhancement.
“Many businesses will need to invest in facilities and human capacity development to effectively apply the National Single Window”, he said.
“One of the processes like in terms of technology is the adoption of that technology.
“Now imagine how many businesses that will need to invest in whatever facility that is required to be installed to have the National Single Window access to their businesses. So there is a whole lot of opportunities around that”, he pointed out.
“Then again for us as the regulatory body, it opens door for us to enhance capacity building of both the freight forwarders and even for our own staff. So it means we also need to invest, you know, in facilities to upgrade, to be able to discharge this responsibility very well.
“And this is not just in one location, this is nationwide. For me, I have to do that in all 36 states of the nation. And you know what that means. So this will require a labourous huge investment,” Igwe concluded
Photo: Mr. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar/CEO, CRFFN.
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