Stakeholders meet as National Single Window Project

By Steve Agbota

Key industry stakeholders convened in Lagos on Thursday to fine-tune the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project as Nigeria moves closer to deploying the digital trade facilitation platform aimed at streamlining import and export processes, enhancing transparency and boosting revenue generation. The deployment is slated for 2026.

The event attracted the Nigeria Customs Service, freight forwarders, clearing agents, importers and exporters, among others.

Speaking at the event, the Zone A Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mohammed Babandede, said that the event marks a significant milestone in the service’s journey towards trade facilitation and economic transformation in Nigeria.

He added that the National Single Window platform is not just another government project, adding that it represents a fundamental shift in how cross-border trade is conducted in the country.

“For too long, businesses have had to navigate multiple agencies, submit the same documents repeatedly to different offices, and endure delays that make our ports less competitive. NSW comes to change all of that. The NSW platform will allow importers and exporters to submit all their documents through one digital portal. Instead of moving from office to office, agency to agency, you will interact with a single system that connects all relevant government bodies,” he said.

He, however, underscored the importance of stakeholders’ collaboration to ensure the platform works optimally.

“The success of this project does not rest on the shoulders of the government alone. It requires all of us in this room to play our part. It requires openness to change, willingness to adopt new ways of working, and patience as we navigate the inevitable challenges that come with any major transformation. That is why forums like this one are so critical,” he stated.

Earlier, the Director of the National Single  Window Project and Head of Secretariat, Mr Tola Fakolade, explained that the essence of the gathering is to create awareness and also to mention what has been done so far.

“This gathering is to create awareness of the platform and also to provide an update on what we have done so far. The National Single Window streamline trade compliance reducing bottlenecks and delays to simplify import/export procedures.

“The initiative aims to reduce revenue leakages, attract investments and boost government revenue and economic growth. In March 2026 we will start the rollout phase one of the NSW to select stakeholders,” he said.

However,  he said that the NSW project will not only generate trade data, but it will also make every operator in the maritime and oil and gas industries compliant.

Also speaking at the event, the Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr Kingsley Igwe, said that the adoption of the NSW project in the nation’s import and export processes will cut the cost of cargo clearance and production costs for manufacturing firms.

Igwe also said that despite being Africa’s largest economy, strategically positioned as the gateway to West and Central Africa, businesses,  (large, multinational, small-scale importers, or local manufacturers), Nigeria continues to struggle under the heavy burden of high logistic costs, fragmented processes, duplication of documentation and delays in cargo clearance.

According to him, the National Single Window represents a transformative solution that has been successfully implemented in several countries, where trade facilitation reforms have delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, competitiveness, and attracted investment.

“The reason for this urgency is that Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its economic journey. We are Africa’s largest economy, strategically positioned as the gateway to West and Central Africa. Yet, our business, whether large, multinational, small-scale importers, or local manufacturers, continues to struggle under the heavy burden of high logistic costs, fragmented processes, duplication of documentation, and delays in cargo clearance.

“The national single window represents a transformative solution, one that has been successfully adopted in countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Rwanda, where trade facilitation reforms have yielded measurable gains in efficiency, competitiveness, and investment attractiveness.

“The national single window is a digital platform that allows traders, businesses, and regulatory agencies to submit and assess trade-related documents in a single, unified interface. Instead of shippers, freight forwarders, banks, customs, port operators, and other stakeholders working in silos with multiple paper submissions, the national single window integrates them into one transparent, secure, and interoperable ecosystem,” he explained.

He said the National Single Window ensures that, one, importers and exporters can process documentation once, with instant recognition by all agencies, adding that regulatory approvals, permits, licenses, and inspections are automated and tracked in real time.

He added that payments, compliance, checks, and cargo release happen seamlessly with reduced human interface.

“Then why does it matter for all businesses in Nigeria to key into the national single window and adopt it in their business processes?. Number one, for large corporations, the national single window reduces transaction costs. What that means is you can imagine when an entity is importing or exporting a high volume of goods, say 500 containers of goods.

“You would imagine the amount of documents that will accompany such a consignment, but with the advent of the national single window, one set is enough and could be done digitally to recognise the flow of that consignment from origin to destination without alteration or altercations along the way. So it cuts delays and enhances supply chain visibility.

Meanwhile, the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, who is also the Chairman of Organised Private Sectors of Nigeria, Dr. Jani Ibrahim, said that the forum marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s collective journey towards enhancing trade facilitation and promoting seamless Import and Export processes in Nigeria, thereby improving efficiency in international trade.

He noted that the gathering presents a valuable opportunity to collaborate, share insights, and forge stronger partnerships that will drive Nigeria’s trade and economic development.