Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has revealed that Nigeria’s National Single Trade Window (NSW) is set for launch on March 27.
This initiative is intended as a significant overhaul of the nation’s trading framework, with a focus on simplifying processes, boosting efficiency, and improving Nigeria's position in the competitive global trade landscape.
Gbajabiamila shared the announcement during a stakeholders' meeting held at the State House in Abuja, where he was joined by ministers, heads of government agencies, and other key figures involved in the project.
He detailed that this initiative, first proposed by President Tinubu nearly two years ago, signifies extensive fiscal reform designed to modernize Nigeria’s trading systems.
“We are on the verge of launching another fiscal reform by this administration, which will fundamentally transform conditions,” he stated.
“As implied by the name, it is a singular national window, rather than multiple separate windows. This meeting serves to assess our progress and ensure your commitment for a smooth transition.”
The Chief of Staff acknowledged the efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Revenue Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other agencies involved in the execution of this project.
Mr. Tola Fakolade, the National Single Window Coordinator, earlier urged all agencies to enhance their support as the countdown to the launch reaches the final 23 days.
He explained that the system’s initial phase will facilitate online import permit processing, allow electronic submission of cargo manifests, and introduce a centralised risk management approach.
Training for nationwide users is already in progress, and testing will be carried out to ensure a smooth launch.
Fakolade emphasized the convenience of the system, saying that documents would only need to be submitted once, streamlining sharing with relevant agencies to eliminate redundancy.
“The collaboration we require from each agency is crucial now. Documents will be submitted just once and shared across all relevant bodies without needing duplication,” he affirmed.
Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Finance, also reiterated the ministry’s dedication to the initiative, stating, “This project will enhance growth, and we will deliver what is necessary from the Ministry of Finance.”
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, expressed her full support for the initiative, calling it a significant aspect of the Renewed Hope Agenda. She highlighted plans for the ministry to work closely with other agencies to inform traders, importers, and exporters in the lead-up to the launch.
Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, promised the bank's backing and underscored the need to address Nigeria’s trade facilitation deficiencies compared to other nations.
Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, advocated for enhanced coordination and political commitment to ensure the initiative’s successful execution.
Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, described the endeavor as a major milestone and expressed his agency's commitment to ensure its effective implementation.
Following the meeting, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment was tasked with spearheading the final steps of implementation ahead of the March 27 launch.
Representatives from various agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, were present at the meeting.
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