Mr. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar CRFFN
CRFFN Registrar Advocates For Local Content in National Single Window Implementation
Mr. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), has stressed the importance of domesticating the National Single Window technology to ensure its effective implementation and benefits. He believes that adopting this technology will not only enhance efficiency but also create significant investment opportunities.
Speaking at the National Single Window Stakeholders Forum in Lagos, Mr. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), emphasized that the National Single Window technology should be a local content initiative, developed and implemented by Nigerians, without relying on foreign consultants. He cited Singapore’s successful implementation of its own single window system as a model for Nigeria to follow.
He said, “Singapore never used any foreign consultant but a local knowledge initiative, an innovation that originated from within Singapore, so whatever we are putting up for National Single Window should originate from Nigeria, should be a Nigerian borne law that has that initiative to come up with the technology. Then we will be able to use it effectively.”
The CRFFN boss emphasized the need to address current challenges with third-party revenue collection, which include accessibility issues and time wasted resolving network problems.
A domesticated National Single Window, on the other hand, would eliminate these issues, as it would be within Nigeria’s control.
“For example, currently I’m using a third party for revenue collection and there’s a whole lot of issues; people cannot access payment and all of that.
“It takes me time to contact them, to go to the bank to rectify whatever network issue or whatsoever. Before they could do all of that there’s a lot of time lapse.
“But if it is something within your vicinity, it is your own. You don’t need to spend that time, wasting time and then you’re losing money because time is money. So that is why I want to call that the National Single Window should be domesticated,” Igwe stated.
Regarding investment opportunities, Igwe noted that adopting the National Single Window would create a huge potential for investment, particularly in capacity enhancement.
“Many businesses will need to invest in facilities and human capacity development to effectively apply the National Single Window. One of the processes like in terms of technology is the adoption of that technology.
“Now imagine how many businesses that will need to invest in whatever facility that is required to be installed to have the National Single Window access to their businesses. So, there is a whole lot of opportunities around that,” he pointed out.
About The Author
