Importers Pay Up to N100,000 Daily Demurrage Over NSW Delays — Customs Agents

Importers and licensed customs agents have raised alarm over rising demurrage charges at Nigerian seaports, blaming delays associated with the National Single Window (NSW) platform for slowing cargo clearance processes.

National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Lucky Amiwero, said some importers now pay as much as N100,000 daily in demurrage to shipping companies and terminal operators while awaiting approvals from regulatory agencies.

Amiwero criticised the platform, describing it as ineffective and accusing it of complicating port operations rather than simplifying them.

According to him, delays in obtaining approvals from agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria have worsened port congestion and increased the cost of doing business.

“The National Single Window is not effective. What we have now is more of a multiple-window system that duplicates Customs functions,” he stated.

Amiwero explained that a proper single-window system should operate under a unified administrative structure that allows importers to complete all documentation and clearance procedures through a single process.

However, he argued that importers still have to deal separately with multiple agencies, defeating the objective of seamless cargo clearance.

He further alleged that the Nigerian Revenue Service, which oversees the initiative, lacks the technical expertise required for customs and import operations, insisting that tax administration and customs processes should remain distinct.

According to him, many consignments remain trapped at port terminals for weeks due to prolonged approval and documentation processes, leading to heavy financial losses for businesses.

“Some importers are paying close to N100,000 daily in demurrage because their cargoes remain uncleared for two or three weeks,” he added.

Responding to the concerns, Director of Communications for the NSW, Tola Fakolade, said criticisms of the platform were largely due to resistance to stricter compliance procedures introduced under the system.

He clarified that the first phase of the initiative was designed to provide a unified documentation platform rather than guarantee immediate approvals from all agencies.

Fakolade acknowledged implementation challenges, particularly existing backlogs at some agencies, including NAFDAC, but noted that efforts were ongoing to clear pending applications and improve efficiency.