Nigeria Aims to Cut Port Costs by 25% with National Single Window Initiative
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigerian government has unveiled an ambitious plan to slash port operational costs by 25% through the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) initiative, a digital platform designed to streamline port operations and enhance trade efficiency.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos on Tuesday, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola, emphasized that the NSW system would eliminate inefficiencies, reduce delays, and boost transparency in the maritime sector. The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.
According to the World Bank, Nigerian ports are currently up to 40% more expensive than those in neighboring West African countries, largely due to bureaucratic delays and logistical bottlenecks. These inefficiencies result in an estimated N2.5 trillion annual revenue loss for businesses. The NSW initiative seeks to streamline operations, enhance multimodal connectivity, and significantly lower transportation costs.
Oyetola highlighted key progress already made in the sector, including:
✅ Reduced vessel turnaround time from 7 days to 5 days
✅ Improved truck turnaround time, now measured in hours instead of days
✅ Clearing of the Apapa–Tincan–Mile 2 traffic congestion
✅ Deployment of tugboats and marine equipment to boost efficiency
Additionally, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has acquired two state-of-the-art tugboats and plans to procure more marine crafts to further enhance port operations. The government is also investing in the modernization of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports as part of a pilot program to upgrade aging infrastructure and improve hinterland connectivity.
“We are not resting on our oars,” Oyetola stated. “Our ultimate goal is to make Nigeria the hub of maritime activity in West Africa.”
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s support for private-sector investments in the development of greenfield ports and other strategic infrastructure projects. With these reforms, Nigeria is set to become a more competitive player in the global maritime industry.
