Terminal operator backs FG’s single window on trade
APM Terminals Nigeria has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitating trade at the port and supporting the National Single Window initiative.
According to a statement on Thursday, the Chief Executive Officer of APMT Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, stated this when he hosted the leadership of the NSW project in Apapa on Wednesday.
The statement added that the visit was to gain insights into the port environment and secure the terminal operator’s support for the smooth rollout of the NSW project.
The National Single Window is a Federal Government initiative aimed at creating a centralised electronic trade platform designed to streamline trade processes for importers and exporters by integrating and harmonising data from multiple government agencies through a single portal.
The project seeks to streamline trade processes, reduce bureaucracy, and improve efficiency by consolidating data and documentation from various agencies in one system.
Speaking further, Klinke explained that the terminal operator understands the importance of digitalisation and efficiency in global trade.
According to him, NSW is a transformative initiative that will not only simplify the trade process but also enhance transparency and reduce bottlenecks in cargo clearance.
“We are ready to collaborate with the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure its success, leveraging our expertise and technological infrastructure to facilitate a seamless transition,” Klinke said.
He added that the NSW is a key enabling factor for additional investment in the Nigerian port sector and goes closely hand in hand with APMT’s proposed investments in the Lagos port.
Earlier, the Head of Government Relations at APMT Apapa, Olayinka Akinlade, highlighted the company’s advanced automation processes and digitalised customer interface.
Akinlade emphasised that the terminal has invested significantly in automation to improve efficiency and customer experience.
“Our operations are fully digitalised, giving customers the liberty to track shipments, make payments, and process their Terminal Delivery Order through an integrated online platform. By aligning with the NSW initiative, we can further streamline these processes, reduce physical interactions, and enhance the overall ease of doing business at the port,” Akinlade stated.
The Director of NSW, Tola Fakolade, expressed appreciation for APM Terminals’ openness and willingness to collaborate.
He noted that the NSW team, inaugurated last year, is committed to simplifying trade facilitation processes and learning from past challenges to ensure the project’s success.
Fakolade said previous attempts to implement the NSW failed due to challenges ranging from fragmented technological systems, institutional bottlenecks, and inadequate technological infrastructure of some of the agencies.
