The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is set to take centre stage at this year’s All Maritime Journalists Retreat, where it will lead strategic discussions on accelerating the digital transformation of Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
Scheduled for December 4, 2025 in Lagos, the retreat will bring together key players across maritime, trade, finance, and technology to examine how emerging technologies can boost Nigeria’s import-export efficiency.
The Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) said the FIRS will deliver a technical paper titled “Onboarding on the National Single Window Platform: A Step-by-Step Guide”, offering stakeholders a practical breakdown of how to integrate into the National Single Window (NSW)—a government-driven platform expected to streamline documentation, enhance transparency, and modernise trade processes.
In a statement jointly signed by Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Paul Ogbuokiri, and Secretary, Adaku Onyenucheya, MARCON said the FIRS’ participation reflects its central role in technology-enabled trade facilitation, especially with the NSW Secretariat domiciled in the agency.
According to the organisers, the retreat comes at a critical time as Nigeria prepares for the NSW to go fully live in the first quarter of 2026.
“The platform is a transformative tool for documentation and compliance, and stakeholders need clear guidance on onboarding requirements,” the statement noted.
MARCON explained that the retreat will serve as a direct interface for industry players to receive clarifications on compliance expectations, digital integration, and the operational workflow of the new trade system.
“This year’s theme, ‘Maximising Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Import and Export Trade’, reflects our commitment to helping the media understand the fast-evolving digital frameworks shaping the maritime sector,” the committee said.
Beyond the technical sessions, the retreat aims to deepen maritime journalists’ understanding of the digital tools transforming Nigeria’s trade environment. Participants will gain access to expert-led analyses, practical demonstrations, and use cases that will support more informed and development-oriented reportage.
MARCON said the gathering will also promote closer collaboration between the media and regulatory agencies. “Strengthening this relationship is critical to driving accurate, accountable, and forward-looking reporting that supports national trade reforms,” the organisers added.
With the NSW expected to significantly cut transaction delays, reduce human interface, and boost government revenue, stakeholders believe this year’s retreat could not be timelier.
The conference is also expected to set the tone for broader national conversations around building a competitive, technology-driven maritime sector capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
