By Niyi Jacobs
The launch of the National Single Window (NSW) initiative is being hailed as a game-changer for Nigeria’s trade and economic growth, with key stakeholders highlighting its potential to drive efficiency, eliminate bureaucratic delays, and contribute to the country’s $1 trillion economy goal by 2031.
At the opening of a three-day workshop on the NSW project, experts and government officials underscored the importance of streamlining trade processes to improve Nigeria’s global competitiveness. The initiative, launched by President Bola Tinubu in April 2024, aims to integrate critical trade actors, including ports, airports, financial institutions, and government agencies, into a centralized digital platform.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, emphasized the initiative’s potential to reduce the cost of doing business, which currently stands 40% higher at Nigerian ports than in other West African countries due to delays. He highlighted the efforts to improve infrastructure, such as clearing the Apapa–Tincan–Mile 2 traffic, which has cut truck turn-around time from 10 days to just a few hours.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, described the NSW system as a transformative reform that would drastically improve trade efficiency and transparency. She pointed to the success of similar initiatives in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Rwanda, which have seen reduced clearance times and increased trade volumes.
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, noted that the initiative would attract foreign direct investment, referencing global examples where similar systems had boosted economic growth and export activity. The chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, called the NSW project a pivotal step in achieving Nigeria’s economic transformation and enhancing its trade hub status in Africa.
Despite previous challenges in integrating government agencies and streamlining processes, stakeholders remain optimistic about the success of the project. The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, emphasized the importance of unity among all stakeholders to overcome obstacles and ensure the success of the initiative.
The NSW project is expected to begin its first phase with training and testing in 2025, and stakeholders are committed to overcoming past hurdles to ensure the system’s effective implementation.
