By Our Reporter
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 trade procedures.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, described the initiative as a “monumental” step during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the State House in Abuja.
According to him, the platform, first introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nearly two years ago, represents a far-reaching fiscal reform designed to streamline trade processes, enhance efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
“We are about to launch yet another reform, fiscal reform by this administration, which in its nature will be very transformational,” Gbajabiamila said.
“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 commended the dedication and professionalism of agencies involved in the project, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Earlier, the NSW Coordinator, Tola Fakolade, urged participating agencies to intensify support in the final 23 days leading to the official launch.
Fakolade explained that the first phase of the platform would allow for online processing of import permits, electronic submission of cargo manifests, and the introduction of a centralised risk management system.
He added that nationwide user training is currently ongoing, while pilot testing will soon begin to ensure a smooth rollout.
According to him, cargo manifests will be submitted electronically and automatically transmitted to relevant agencies without human intervention.
“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, describing it as a growth-enhancing initiative.
“This is a growth-enhancing and growth-enabling project. What is required of the Ministry of Finance, we will definitely do,” he said.
Similarly, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, reiterated the ministry’s full support, describing the initiative as a critical pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She noted that the project was long overdue and pledged collaboration with relevant agencies over the coming weeks to sensitise traders, importers, and exporters.
Also speaking, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, pledged the bank’s support for the initiative, stressing the importance of bridging Nigeria’s trade facilitation gap with other countries.
In the same vein, 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.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, described the NSW initiative as a historic milestone and emphasised the need for close engagement with stakeholders to ensure its success.
At the end of the meeting, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment was mandated to lead the implementation phase to guarantee a smooth and successful launch on March 27.
Other 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.
The National Single Window platform is expected to significantly simplify trade documentation, improve transparency, and strengthen coordination among government agencies involved in Nigeria’s import and export processes.
