NMLA: Maritime lawyers seek standalone law for single window project
The President of the Nigeria Maritime Law Association (NMLA), Mr Mike Igbokwe, SAN, has urged the Federal Government to establish an independent legal framework for the National Single Window project.
Igbokwe spoke on behalf of the association during the fourth breakfast meeting under the theme ‘Regulatory Reforms: The National Single Window Project’ held in Lagos on Friday.
He said the National Single Window should operate under a standalone Act of the National Assembly to provide clear operational guidelines and legal backing.
According to him, the Business Facilitation Act could also be amended to incorporate the operational framework guiding the National Single Window project.
“There should be a legal framework specifically for the NSW process, either through amendment or a standalone Act of the National Assembly.
“The reason is that without such legal backing, implementation could face legal challenges from agencies questioning the authority driving the process,” Igbokwe said.
He called for urgent action before full implementation, noting that the project was already progressing without an Act of the National Assembly.
Igbokwe said some existing laws referenced the project’s legal basis, but no agency had been clearly designated to drive implementation.
He identified overlapping responsibilities among port agencies as a major challenge delaying business operations at Nigerian ports.
According to him, multiple checks by sister agencies waste time, increase costs and slow cargo clearance processes.
Igbokwe said the National Single Window would harmonise operations by connecting all relevant agencies through a unified electronic platform.
He added that the system would reduce delays and improve cargo clearance efficiency across Nigerian ports.
Speaking on possible legislation, Igbokwe said the required Act could be enacted quickly if supported by strong political will.
“The project is Mr President’s baby, so it can be done swiftly if there is commitment from the authorities,” he said.
He also lamented the rising cost of imported goods caused by multiple port charges and lengthy clearance procedures.
Igbokwe said many importers now divert cargoes to neighbouring countries, leading to revenue losses for Nigeria.
Responding, the Director and Project Head of the National Single Window, Mr Tola Fakolade, said existing laws already empowered the initiative.
Fakolade explained that provisions under the Nigeria Revenue Service Act authorised the establishment of a single window platform.
He, however, said additional regulations were needed to provide clearer operational details for the system.
“There is already an existing law, but we need regulations that will clearly define the operations of the National Single Window,” Fakolade said.
He noted that import permits from agencies including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control were now processed on one platform.
“We only need more detailed regulations derived from the Nigeria Revenue Service Act to strengthen the system,” he added.
Fakolade described the National Single Window as a Federal Government initiative designed to centralise electronic trade processes for importers and exporters.
He said the platform would harmonise data from government agencies and stakeholders to improve economic efficiency and trade competitiveness.
According to him, the system would also simplify trade documentation and transport procedures through an electronic single-window environment.
The fourth breakfast of NMLA Meeting was attended by former President , Chidi Ilogu (SAN), immediate passed President, Mrs Funke Agbor (SAN),
1st Vice President: Prof. Adewale Adedamola Olawoyin, SAN, FCIArb; 2nd Vice President: Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN; Honorary Secretary: Mrs Nneka Obianyor,
Publicity Secretary: Mrs. Mojisola Jaiye-Gbenle among other successful Maritime lawyers
during the fourth edition of the Breakfast meeting held in Lagos on Friday.
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