ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service has called for collective commitment to the National Single Window initiative, a Unified digital platform that aims to streamline Nigeria’s import and export processes, and also promote trade facilitation and economic growth.
In his remarks at the NSW Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held at Oriental Hotel, VI, Lagos, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, highlighted the importance of collaboration and adaptability in ensuring the National Single Window Project’s success, urging all players to work together.
The forum, jointly organised by the National Single Window Project Secretariat and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), drew participants from government agencies, import and export sectors, and trade associations.
ACG Babandede stated that the success of the 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”.
He added that improving efficiency at the nation’s ports would enhance competitiveness and predictability for manufacturers and traders. “You will agree with me, the more we make our ports efficient, the more it will be competitive. And so also manufacturers and stakeholders will be able to predict what will be the outcome”.
The Director of the National Single Window Project and Head of Secretariat, Tola Fakolade, highlighted the importance of the engagement as the project nears its first phase launch. “As we are getting close to the launch of the first phase of this project, this is very important to ensure that all our key stakeholders, really understand the scope of what we are doing and how this project is going to impact what they do.”
Also, the Registrar and CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Kingsley Igwe, noted that the National Single Window is vital to Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Igwe highlighted that the NSW has become imperative for Nigeria to fully participate in AfCFTA by ensuring trade processes align with continental and global best practices.
“These practices include reducing costs and integrating free trade agreements into the National Single Window system through the B’Odogwu platform of the Nigeria Customs Service to enhance effective classification and duty payments.”
The forum featured a panel discussion on global benchmarking, coordination, and cooperation among trade actors, as well as an interactive question and answer session that allowed participants to engage directly with project leaders.
The National Single Window platform is designed to allow importers and exporters to submit all required trade documents through a single digital portal, connecting all relevant government agencies and reducing bottlenecks in the clearance process.
The launch of the first phase is expected to take place in March 2026, while the second and third phases are projected to be completed before the end of 2026.
