Customs Agents Warn of Cargo Clearance Challenges Ahead

Licensed customs agents in Nigeria, represented by Oluchi Chibuzor, have expressed significant concerns regarding the duplication of the Single Window Application as outlined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 35 of 2023 and the Tax Administration Act 5 of 2025. They warn that the implementation of a national single window system will ultimately lead to increased costs for businesses operating at the nation's ports.

Lucky Amiwero, the Managing Director of the National Council of Licensed Customs Agents (NCLCA), highlighted that the conflicting provisions in the customs acts contravene international agreements on trade facilitation. The agents argue that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act clearly promotes trade facilitation and that the proposed national single window system could usurp the functions of the NCS, creating obstacles to trade and affecting foreign direct investment (FDI).

They urge the federal government to suspend the implementation of the national single window to avoid overburdening import licensing processes and increasing costs.