Maritime lawyers seeks stronger legal framework for NSW
Nigerian Maritime Law Association Calls for Stronger Legal Framework for National Single Window Project
By Godwin Oritse
The Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) has urged for a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to facilitate the effective implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project in Nigeria.
The NSW initiative, launched by the Federal Government, aims to enhance operational efficiency by expediting cargo clearance processes, increasing transparency in regulatory procedures, and improving coordination among government agencies involved in maritime trade and port operations.
During the NMLA’s fourth breakfast meeting, Mr. Mike Igbokwe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and president of the association, emphasized that this initiative marks a pivotal move toward digitalizing processes within the maritime sector. He highlighted that the NSW is expected to promote ease of doing business, alleviate congestion at ports, and bolster Nigeria’s competitiveness in trade.
Addressing the meeting’s theme, “Regulatory Reforms and the National Single Window (NSW) Project,” Igbokwe pointed out that Nigeria’s maritime sector currently relies on numerous regulatory agencies with overlapping roles, resulting in duplicated efforts and increased costs.
He noted that the sector’s traditional processes remain disjointed and largely manual, which leads to delays in cargo clearance and escalates business costs, contributing to inflation and higher prices for imported raw materials and manufactured goods.
Igbokwe remarked, “The NSW will benefit NMLA members, including maritime lawyers and IT experts, as it necessitates updates to regulatory frameworks, data governance, cybersecurity measures, contractual adjustments in trade transactions, and an increased reliance on electronic records and systems.”
He added, “While Nigeria has established regulatory frameworks, it often lacks the political commitment necessary for their effective implementation, monitoring, and enforcement.”
Describing the National Single Window Project as a transformative regulatory reform, he stated that if successfully executed, it could lead to substantial improvements in efficiency, transparency, revenue generation, and the overall ease of doing business in Nigeria.
Igbokwe underscored that the project’s success hinges not only on technological advancements but also on robust political will, institutional cooperation, legal reforms, and sustained engagement with stakeholders.
