The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, has expressed confidence that the National Single Window (NSW) platform scheduled for launch on March 27 will be monumental in elevating Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
Gbajabiamila stated this during a stakeholders’ meeting at the State House, Abuja, attended by ministers, agency heads, and key officials on Wednesday.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Gbajabiamila noted that the initiative, first launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nearly two years ago, is a far-reaching fiscal reform that will streamline trade procedures, improve efficiency, 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 said.
The Chief of Staff commended the dedication and professionalism of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Revenue Service NRS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other agencies involved.
Earlier in his presentation, the NSW Coordinator, Mr. Tola Fakolade, urged agencies to intensify support in the final 23 days before the “go-live” as scheduled.
Mr. Fakolade explained that the first phase will enable the online processing of import permits, the electronic submission of cargo manifests, and the introduction of a centralised risk management system.
He disclosed that nationwide user training is ongoing, and pilot testing will soon be conducted to ensure a smooth rollout.
The Coordinator added that cargo manifests would 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.
On his part, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. 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 assured.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, reiterated the ministry’s full support, describing the project as a critical pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Oduwole acknowledged that the initiative is long overdue and promised active collaboration with relevant agencies over the next three weeks to sensitise traders, importers, and exporters.
Similarly, the Governor of CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, pledged the bank’s full support, highlighting the importance of closing Nigeria’s trade facilitation gap with other countries.
In his remarks, the Chairman of NRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, called for stronger coordination and political will, proposing that the Minister of Trade lead the 23-day implementation phase to ensure seamless delivery.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, described the NSW project as a historic milestone, emphasising the need for direct engagement with stakeholders and full collaboration to guarantee success.
At the end of the meeting, Dr. Oduwole was mandated to lead the implementation phase to ensure a smooth and successful launch on March 27.
Other agencies represented include the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
