Nigeria Direct Shipping Firms, Airlines Ordered to Submit Manifests via Single Window Project
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Nigerian Government has directed all shipping companies and airlines operating in the country to submit their cargo manifests via the National Single Window (NSW) platform, a move aimed at strengthening cargo tracking, improving transparency, and facilitating trade.
Previously, the submission of shipping manifests was managed solely by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for cargo processing and port clearance. However, a memo (Ref: FMF/OHMF/CW/NSW/01) dated 17 November 2025, signed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, mandates full integration of shipping firms and airlines with the NSW platform.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated the National Single Window (NSW) Project on 16 April 2024. The NSW Project aims to streamline and automate import and export processes at Nigeria’s ports, enhance trade facilitation, and increase government revenue,” part of the memo reads.
The memo emphasizes that the NSW platform integrates the operations of multiple government agencies involved in trade into a single digital platform. This ensures faster clearance of goods, reduces bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improves operational efficiency.
Key components of the Single Window, as defined by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and World Customs Organisation (WCO), include a single-entry point for all documentation and a single submission system where data is entered once and shared across relevant agencies.
Accordingly, the NSW Platform will serve as the sole entry point for all sea and air manifests. Shipping lines and airlines are required to comply to ensure seamless submission of all import and export documentation.
Copies of the memo were sent to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Managing Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
