The Federal Government has announced plans to commence full enforcement of the National Single Window policy in 2026, as part of efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce cargo clearance time at Nigeria's ports. Vice President Kashim Shettima disclo… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader FG moves to boost port efficiency by 2026 By Enitan Ajebukola Ajewumi on October 31, 2025 The Federal Government has announced plans to commence full enforcement of the National Single Window policy in 2026, as part of efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce cargo clearance time at Nigeria's ports. Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this during the second meeting of the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. According to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the initiative will establish a unified digital platform to streamline documentation, reduce human contact, and promote transparency in cargo clearance processes. Shettima said the policy aims to position Nigeria's ports among the top three most efficient trade gateways in Africa, targeting a reduction in average cargo clearance time to less than seven days—down from the current 18 to 21 days. By comparison, Ghana's ports average five to seven days, while the Republic of Benin records about four days. "The cost of clearing goods in Nigeria is estimated to be 30 per cent higher than that of many of our regional peers. Our ports record cargo dwell times 475 per cent above the global average benchmark," Shettima stated. "These inefficiencies are symptoms of an economic ailment that costs us investments, drives up consumer prices, and weakens our export competitiveness." Read also, FG moves to boost port efficiency by 2026 New digital platform turns waste to wealth, boosts SME opportunities Fed Govt seeks regional action to curb arbitrary shipping costs, unlock $3tr AfCFTA trade potential Fed Govt, NIPSS chart roadmap to close ₦2.2m-ton fish supply gap, boost SME participation Nigerians lose ₦300.2bn to fraudulent investment schemes — SEC He revealed that an Executive Order on joint physical inspection is currently before President Bola Tinubu, designed to address operational bottlenecks at the ports. The Vice President also tasked the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Customs Service, NAFDAC, SON, and other agencies to strengthen Nigeria's weights and measures framework to ensure compliance with international trade standards. "The era of agencies working in isolation is over," Shettima emphasized. "Inter-agency rivalry must give way to inter-agency synergy. We are only as efficient as our collaboration allows." Speaking at the meeting, the Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, highlighted the role of partnership and technology in improving port operations. He noted that the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee has already achieved positive results through joint inspection and coordination among relevant agencies. Dantsoho added that infrastructure development, capacity building, and deployment of modern equipment remain central to enhancing Nigeria's port performance and sustaining its competitiveness in regional and global trade.

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By Abiodun AbdullaiThe Federal Government has unveiled the National Waste Marketplace Programme (NWMP), a digital platform designed to transform Nigeria's waste management sector into a hub of green business opportunities and sustainable job creation.… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader New digital platform turns waste to wealth, boosts SME opportunities By sbinsights on October 31, 2025 By Abiodun Abdullai The Federal Government has unveiled the National Waste Marketplace Programme (NWMP), a digital platform designed to transform Nigeria's waste management sector into a hub of green business opportunities and sustainable job creation. The initiative, launched by the Federal Ministry of Environment, aims to formalise the waste value chain by digitally connecting waste generators, collectors, recyclers, and manufacturers through a transparent and traceable system. According to the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, the platform leverages technology to support a circular economy and stimulate inclusive economic growth. "The National Waste Marketplace is a forward-looking solution that enhances material recovery, creates business linkages across the recycling value chain, and drives innovation in environmental sustainability," he said. Lawal added that the project aligns with Nigeria's Circular Economy Roadmap and the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises environmental responsibility, youth empowerment, and small business development. Read also New digital platform turns waste to wealth, boosts SME opportunities Fed Govt seeks regional action to curb arbitrary shipping costs, unlock $3tr AfCFTA trade potential Fed Govt, NIPSS chart roadmap to close ₦2.2m-ton fish supply gap, boost SME participation Nigerians lose ₦300.2bn to fraudulent investment schemes — SEC FG targets seven-day cargo clearance to enhance trade efficiency by 2026 The Director-General of NESREA, Professor Innocent Barikor, described the programme as a major step toward a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive economy. "Through this platform, thousands of Nigerian youths and micro-enterprises will be trained and certified in circular business models — turning waste into wealth," he said. The initiative also seeks to attract private sector participation by providing verified market linkages, improving investor confidence in recycling, and creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in waste collection, aggregation, and processing. Mr. Nkem Orakwe, CEO of Recycle Stack Limited, noted that the marketplace would empower up to 10 million Nigerians by 2035 through training, certification, and integration into a digital waste economy. "This programme is redefining waste as a resource for innovation and enterprise. It will enable entrepreneurs, recyclers, and small businesses to build profitable ventures within a structured, tech-driven ecosystem," Orakwe said. The National Waste Marketplace Programme represents another key step in Nigeria's journey toward environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and inclusive green growth.

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