The recent launch of Nigeria's National Single Window (NSW) system is being hailed by port stakeholders and economic analysts as a game-changing move to reposition the country's maritime sector, with projections of up to 25% cost reduction at po… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader National Single Window system set to cut port costs by 25%, save Nigeria N2.5 trillion annually By sbinsights on April 9, 2025 The recent launch of Nigeria's National Single Window (NSW) system is being hailed by port stakeholders and economic analysts as a game-changing move to reposition the country's maritime sector, with projections of up to 25% cost reduction at ports and annual revenue savings of N2.5 trillion. Designed to simplify trade procedures, eliminate delays, and enhance operational efficiency, the NSW is expected to tackle long-standing inefficiencies that have made Nigerian ports among the most expensive in West Africa. Stakeholders say this digital transformation could restore Nigeria's status as a regional trade hub and improve the overall ease of doing business. Before now, the lack of political will, interagency rivalries, and vested interests had stalled the system's rollout, despite years of advocacy from industry players. As a result, Nigeria has lagged behind smaller neighbors like Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic, which have already implemented streamlined trade platforms. These delays have contributed to an estimated N2.5 trillion in lost revenue annually and cargo diversion to more efficient ports in neighboring countries. With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria handles just two million containers yearly—far behind smaller regional ports managing up to eight million. Experts link this underperformance to outdated infrastructure, manual systems, and a lack of automation at Nigerian ports. Now, with the federal government prioritizing NSW implementation, there is renewed optimism. The system aims to integrate key trade-related agencies—such as the Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, Central Bank of Nigeria, NAFDAC, and SON—into a single digital platform for streamlined processes and reduced human contact. Read also Speaking at the NSW stakeholders' forum, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the system could cut cargo clearance times by as much as 60% and lower overall port costs by at least 25%. He added that improved efficiency would boost trade, enhance transparency, and increase government revenue. "This advancement tackles the persistent challenge of clearance delays by optimizing operations and boosting trade efficiency," Oyetola said. The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Uzoka-Anite, emphasized the potential of NSW to attract foreign investment and strengthen Nigeria's trade competitiveness. She cited the successes of countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Rwanda, where similar reforms have reduced clearance times, improved compliance, and increased exports. Also speaking, Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), clarified that NSW differs from previous systems like NICIS I & II and ASYCUDA++, which were not fully integrated platforms but procedural frameworks. He said a true Single Window offers a one-stop-shop that harmonizes data exchange across agencies. Maritime expert Olusoji Akindele added that political commitment is crucial to overcoming resistance from entrenched interests. "Nigeria must manage interagency rivalry and eliminate sabotage to ensure the success of the NSW," he said. With implementation now underway, stakeholders are hopeful that Nigeria will finally unlock the full potential of its ports and emerge as a global maritime force.

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To mark International Women's Day, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, member of the House of Representatives for Kosofe Federal Constituency, in collaboration with New Horizons Nigeria, has awarded ICT scholarships to 300 young women in Lagos, aiming to bridge … Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader Lawmaker partners with firm to award ICT scholarships to 300 young women in Lagos By sbinsights on April 9, 2025 To mark International Women's Day, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, member of the House of Representatives for Kosofe Federal Constituency, in collaboration with New Horizons Nigeria, has awarded ICT scholarships to 300 young women in Lagos, aiming to bridge the gender gap in tech and equip beneficiaries with essential digital skills. Ogbara, who chairs the House Committee on Women's Affairs and Social Development, stressed the importance of action in addressing gender inequality. "International Women's Day calls for reflection, action, and unity. We are here to act," she declared. The ICT training, facilitated by New Horizons Nigeria, focuses on empowering women to thrive in the digital economy. Ogbara thanked Tim Akano, CEO of New Horizons, for his consistent support. "Your dedication inspires us," she said, urging recipients to embrace the opportunity and see themselves as future leaders. "Dismiss any notion of impossibility. Take control of your lives." She added that women's empowerment has far-reaching benefits across families, communities, and the nation. "This training fosters independence, innovation, and the capacity to make meaningful societal contributions," she said. Akano described the initiative as a foundation for long-term career growth. "We are laying the groundwork for them to build a future based on their individual aspirations," he explained. He noted that the selection process was merit-based and focused on candidates with strong IT potential. The six-week program covers a range of in-demand digital skills, from coding to cybersecurity. Akano emphasized the importance of matching training to personal interests. "Do you enjoy coding? Are you prepared for the challenges of it? These are the questions that matter," he said, highlighting the economic returns of investing in women's tech education. The participants, all graduates, were selected to ensure the program delivers professional-level outcomes. "This is not a vocational skills program," Akano clarified. "We are training IT professionals." Class representatives Fauzia Salako-Sani and Damilola Obiriko expressed their gratitude and determination to make the most of the opportunity. Salako-Sani, a broadcast journalist, sees the training as a way to elevate her work and inspire peers to stay focused. Obiriko, a brand analyst and alumna of New Horizons, shared her passion for data analysis and cybersecurity, noting how the training would enhance her value in the tech space.

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Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called on African leaders to embrace regional collaboration and trade facilitation as key drivers of the continent's economic transformation, stressing that Africa's future lies in trade—not charity… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader Mbah urges Africa to embrace trade, not charity, for economic revival By sbinsights on April 9, 2025 Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called on African leaders to embrace regional collaboration and trade facilitation as key drivers of the continent's economic transformation, stressing that Africa's future lies in trade—not charity. Speaking at the closing session of "The Africa Opportunity: Regional Collaboration and Trade Facilitation" during the 2025 Commonwealth Enterprises and Investment Summit in London, Mbah said Africa must move beyond waiting to be invited to the global economic table and start building its own. "With a population of 1.3 billion, a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, and 65% of the world's uncultivated arable land, Africa has the capacity to lead. But we must turn our potential into tangible progress through robust intra-African trade," he said. Mbah emphasized the transformative power of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), citing World Bank projections that it could lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty and boost the continent's income by $450 billion by 2035. However, he expressed concern that many of AfCFTA's objectives—like the removal of tariffs and non-tariff barriers—remain unfulfilled. Read also He highlighted major challenges slowing intra-African trade, including poor infrastructure, high flight costs, fragmented rail systems, and underutilized maritime transport. "Only 14.4% of Africa's trade is intra-continental, compared to 69% in Europe and 59% in Asia," he noted. Still, Mbah expressed optimism, urging Africa to draw lessons from the European Union's integration journey, which took over three decades. He stressed the need for legal harmonization, infrastructure investment, and human capital development. "We need a unified legal and regulatory framework, smart infrastructure, and an education system that fuels economic growth. AfCFTA must be more than a feel-good creation," he said. "Africa's economic renaissance lies in extensive trade – not aid or charity. The time to act is now." Earlier at the summit, Mbah also led the State Governors Roundtable, where he presented Enugu State's investment potential to global leaders and investors.

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