Maritime Lawyers Call for Stronger Legal Framework for NSW

According to the association, the National Single Window initiative of the Federal Government is designed to improve operational efficiency through faster cargo clearance processes, greater transparency in regulatory procedures, and enhanced coordination among government agencies involved in maritime trade and port operations.

Speaking at the 4th Breakfast meeting of the NMLA,    Mr. Mike Igbokwe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, who is also President of the group said that the   initiative represents a major shift towards the digitalisation of processes within the maritime sector and is expected to promote ease of doing business, reduce bottlenecks at the ports, and strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.

Speaking on the theme of the meeting, “Regulatory Reforms and the National Single Window (NSW) Project,” Igbokwe noted that Nigeria’s maritime sector is characterised by the involvement of multiple regulatory agencies with overlapping responsibilities, resulting in duplication of functions, efforts and costs.

He further observed that the traditional processes within the sector remain fragmented and largely manual, leading to delays in cargo clearance, increased cost of doing business, rising inflation, and higher prices of imported raw materials and manufactured goods.

He said: “NSW will be of benefit to members of NMLA as maritime lawyers and IT experts as there    will be a need to update regulatory frameworks, data governance and cybersecurity considerations, contractual and liability adjustments in trade transactions and   greater reliance on electronic records and systems.”

“Nigeria does not lack good regulatory frameworks but usually lacks the political will and determination for implementing, monitoring and supervising the legislation.

“The National Single Window Project represents a transformative regulatory reform capable of modernizing Nigeria’s trade and maritime sector. If effectively implemented, it can significantly improve efficiency, transparency, revenue generation, and ease of doing business.

“However, its success will depend not only on technology, but also on strong political will, institutional cooperation, legal reforms, and sustained stakeholder engagement.”