MARCON President advocates enhanced media participation in National Single Window Implementation

Editor-in-Chief, Razor Newspaper, Mr. Sunday Odita; President, Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), Ismail Aniemu; and Immediate Past President, Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), Mazi Paul Ogbuokiri, at the All Nigerian Maritime Journalists’ Retreat, Lagos Free Trade Zone.

By Stanley Ihedigbo

President of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), Ismail Aniemu, has called for enhanced media participation in the implementation of the National Single Window, stressing that effective communication will be crucial to the platform’s success.

Speaking at the All Nigerian Maritime Journalists’ Retreat, themed “Maximising Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Import and Export Trade,” held at the Lagos Free Trade Zone, Aniemu explained that the retreat was organised to equip journalists with the knowledge needed to support major government policies.

A key focus of the retreat is the National Single Window project, scheduled to go live in the first quarter of 2026. The platform is expected to transform import and export procedures, manufacturing processes, revenue systems, and logistics operations across the country.

Aniemu emphasised Nigeria’s strategic role as a central hub for West and Central Africa, noting that the nation’s economic growth has significant regional implications.

He highlighted the maritime sector’s contribution to employment, access and exit systems, and national productivity, stressing that inefficiencies—such as prolonged vessel turnaround time—continue to slow economic progress and weaken competitiveness.

According to him, while Nigeria is making steady progress, more work is required to achieve the nation’s development goals.

The retreat, therefore, aims to deepen journalists’ understanding of the sector, enhance their capacity to provide improved public enlightenment, and broaden their perspective on emerging technologies shaping global trade.

He noted that the gathering has also brought together key industry figures committed to advancing the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

With sessions beginning the previous day, participants have been engaged in a series of lectures focused on technology adoption, policy development, and sector-wide modernisation.

Aniemu reaffirmed MARCON’s commitment to promoting informed, impactful maritime journalism that aligns with the nation’s economic aspirations.