By Chinwendu Obienyi
The drive to modernise Nigeria’s trade processes gained fresh momentum yesterday as top government agencies met at the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters in Abuja to fast-track the National Single Window (NSW) project.
Launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024, the NSW aims to simplify trade procedures, enhance transparency, and deliver substantial economic benefits. The Presidency has set an ambitious target for its operational take-off in the first quarter of 2026, making inter-agency collaboration crucial.
In attendance were the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR); Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji; and Director of the National Single Window Project, Mr. Tola Fakolade, among others.
Welcoming the delegation, Comptroller General Adeniyi underscored the project’s importance:
“This project is important to Mr. President. Since the beginning of this administration, it has been listed among the key policies to create an environment that facilitates trade and makes the Nigerian economy more competitive. The goal is to develop a trade ecosystem, integrating technology into our processes.”
Dr. Adedeji pledged FIRS’ full backing: “We are at the stage where we all need to do what is required and provide the help that is needed to get the job done right. Mr. President has given us until the first quarter of 2026. I am here to support the CG and the Nigerian Customs Service to achieve the launching of the National Single Window and to strengthen collaboration ahead of the first phase in March 2026.”
Mr. Fakolade highlighted the urgency of the current phase: “The project has moved into the critical development and integration stage after a year of assessments and requirement analyses. The Single Window is the central hub linking all participating agencies into one unified platform.
Achieving seamless integration now is essential to meet the Q1 2026 target.”
When fully operational, the NSW is expected to cut cargo clearance times, reduce costs, and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, enabling businesses to compete more effectively at home and abroad. It will also boost government revenue by curbing leakages, while consumers benefit from quicker access to goods at lower prices.
Officials say the system will position Nigeria as a stronger player in global trade, attract investment, and create jobs across multiple sectors.
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