Nigeria is set to launch the National Single Window (NSW) platform on March 27, in a move aimed at transforming the country’s trade ecosystem and improving efficiency in import and export processes.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, described the initiative as a “monumental” reform during a stakeholders’ meeting at the State House in Abuja attended by ministers, heads of agencies, and other key officials.
Gbajabiamila noted that the project, first introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nearly two years ago, represents a far-reaching fiscal reform designed to streamline trade procedures and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness.
“We are about to launch yet another reform, fiscal reform by this administration, which in its nature will be very transformational.
“As the name suggests, it is a single national window as opposed to multiple single windows.
“This meeting is to review the progress we have made and get your commitment that we will manage this transition smoothly.”
He also commended the commitment and professionalism of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Nigeria Customs Service, as well as other agencies involved in the implementation.
Earlier in his presentation, the NSW Coordinator, Tola Fakolade, urged agencies to intensify support in the final 23 days leading to the platform’s launch.
According to him, the first phase will enable online processing of import permits, electronic submission of cargo manifests, and the introduction of a centralised risk management system.
He also disclosed that nationwide user training is already underway, while pilot testing would soon begin to ensure a smooth rollout.
Fakolade explained that the system would significantly reduce manual processes and duplication of documentation.
“The support that we need from each of the agencies is even more critical now. Documents will be submitted once and shared with all relevant agencies without duplication,” he said.
The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the project.
“This is a growth-enhancing and growth-enabling project. What is required of the Ministry of Finance, we will definitely do,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, described the initiative as a critical pillar of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She emphasised that the project was long overdue and pledged full collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure effective sensitisation of traders, importers and exporters in the weeks ahead.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, also pledged the bank’s support, noting the importance of closing Nigeria’s trade facilitation gap with other countries.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, called for stronger coordination and political will, proposing that the Minister of Trade lead the final 23-day implementation phase to guarantee a seamless rollout.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, described the National Single Window project as a historic milestone and pledged continued engagement with stakeholders.
At the end of the meeting, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment was mandated to lead the implementation phase to ensure a smooth and successful launch on March 27.
Agencies represented at the meeting included the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Ports Authority, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency.
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