…Calls for gradual roll out of NSW
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN, Mr. Igwe Kingsley Onyekachi has raised an alarm over the delay in incorporating the Council into the National Single Window platform.
Igwe who disclosed this while delivering a paper titled, “The Future Of Freight Forwarding Profession In The Proposed National Single Window Initiative“, at the 2025 Annual Maritime Students and Youth, AMSAY Conference held in Lagos on Tuesday by Platforms Communications, pleaded with the stakeholders and dignitaries who gathered for the event to assist the Council in passing the message across to the authorities for CRFFN to be incorporated into the platform.
Represented by Alhaji Yahaya Saidu, Igwe said, “I believe we all gathered here to share knowledge and to express our problems particularly the problem of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria in respect with this National Single Window issue.
“We have put in our best because freight forwarding plays a very critical role in international trade and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria is responsible for regulating freight forwarding activities in this country.
“Unfortunately, why I am taking my time to express this before I go through my paper, is for dignitaries here, the authorities here, I am sharing our pains, the pains that the CRFFN is passing through in respect to this National Single Window issue even with the critical role that freight forwarding play in international trade, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding is yet to be incorporated into this National Single Window.
“Those of you who are here, do pass our messages to the authorities. Please help us.”
He, however, observed that the freight forwarding profession played a critical role in facilitating international trade adding that the National Single Window initiative could significantly impact on their operations.
On the benefits of the National Single Window initiative to the freight forwarding profession, he opined that it would promote transparency by creating a standardized, digital process for trade documentation, adding that ensuring real-time tracking and monitoring could provide greater visibility and control over shipments.
“In international trade, delays can result in significant financial losses. One of the most notable benefits of a National Single Window is its ability to speed up processing and clearance times for goods.
“Implementing a National Single Window translates to significant cost savings for businesses, both directly and indirectly. Examples are administrative, logistics, and reduced errors. These cost savings add up over time, enhancing profitability and enabling businesses to allocate resources more efficiently.
“Streamlined processes can enable freight forwarders to compete more effectively in the global market. NSW initiative can lead to job creation and simplification of trade documentation, enhancing import and export processes”, he added.
Speaking on the challenges and opportunities presented by the National Single Window, the Registrar observed that gradual roll out of the system was necessary to ensure its infrastructure could expected demand without disruptions.
He thereafter, warned that the National Single Window initiative may increase the cyber security risks if not properly secured even as he called on the manager of the platform to ensure that all security features were put in place to forestall occurrence.
Igwe, who acknowledged that the National Single Window initiative could enable freight forwarders to innovate and provide new services, maintained that the platform may as well change the role of freight forwarders, requiring them to adapt to new technologies and processes.
He continued, “Freight forwarders may need to specialize in specific areas, such as customs clearance or logistics management, to remain competitive. Freight forwarders need to invest in technology to remain competitive and provide efficient services. Freight forwarders need to work closely with other stakeholders, such as customs authorities and traders, to ensure smooth operations.”
Concluding, the CRFFN boss stressed that “In today’s fast-paced global economy, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency, especially when it comes to trade and commerce.
“One solution that has emerged as a game-changer is the National Single Window initiative. The National Single Window initiative has the potential to transform the freight forwarding profession, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness.
“However, it requires careful implementation, specialization, and adaptation to new technologies. With the right approach, freight forwarders can leverage the National Single Window initiative to improve their services and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.”
Photo: Alhaji Yahaya Saidu, representative of the Registrar of CRFFN, Mr. Igwe Kingsley Onyekachi during the presentation of his paper at the just concluded AMSAY Conference in Lagos Tuesday.
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