The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA has revealed it is partnering the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS to creating a ‘single window’ platform at the ports for smooth operations.
This was revealed by the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Balla Usman when she recently paid a courtesy call to the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali in Abuja.
Usman said the two agencies have embarked on the establishment of SW through an intense automation and introduction of Standard Operative Procedure (SOP) at the port.
Usman noted further that the adoption of Single Window would make Nigerian ports competitive in the international trade network and boost trade facilitation programme of the government.
The NPA boss further noted that the synergy on Single Window would boost government revenue and promote public private partnership through the attraction of local and foreign direct investment.
She said government was aware of its responsibilities to create enabling business environment for businesses to thrive.
In her words: “The goal of trade facilitation is to help trade across borders, import and export faster, cheaper and more predictably while ensuring its safety and security.
“Trade facilitation focuses on simplifying and harmonizing formalities, procedures and the related exchange of information and documents between the various partners in a supply chain.”
“I would therefore urge us not to lose track as well as relentless commitment as to meet the target of Nigeria joining 20 other countries to be in the forefront of implementing an efficient, effective and sustainable single window in 2020, ” Usman said.
Responding, Customs Comptroller General Hameed Ali said Usman’s visit would lead to regular meetings and constant consultation between the two agencies.
Ali explained that the NCS would “do everything possible” in promoting the trade facilitation programme of government through collaboration with sister agencies and through robust initiatives to promote business at ports.
He promised the readiness of the NCS to work in partnership with the NPA to bring about a viable business environment in Nigerian ports.