The National Single Window (NSW) initiative is a laudable project that will not only revolutionize trade in Nigeria but also foster transparency, combat corruption, and enhance efficiency in the country’s trade and maritime sectors, ultimately boosting the nation’s economy.
This was the unanimous view of experts and port industry stakeholders at a one-day seminar held on Thursday by the Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN). The theme of the seminar, held at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, was “Transforming Trade Facilitation: The Role of NSW in Enhancing Economic Efficiency.”
In his remarks, former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Eugene Nweke, who chaired the event, commended MAJAN for organizing such a timely and important program. He described the theme as apt, noting that trade should ideally promote global peace, but questioned whether it currently does so in Nigeria.
Dr. Nweke stated that the National Single Window initiative could significantly transform trade in Nigeria and positively impact the economy—if taken seriously. However, he expressed concern that the initiative is being politicized rather than embraced, even though it has the potential to enhance trade facilitation and transparency. He asserted that, if properly implemented, the project would bring remarkable changes to port operations across the country.
The Project Lead of the National Single Window initiative, Mr. Tola Fakolade, in his goodwill message, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s trade environment through the NSW project.
Represented by the project’s director, Mr. Peter Ekunkoya, Fakolade described the NSW as a transformational initiative of the current administration aimed at enhancing economic efficiency and trade competitiveness.
“The National Single Window Project is designed to be a centralized, digital platform for the submission, processing, and approval of trade-related documentation. By linking various government agencies, importers, and service providers, we aim to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with import and export activities,” Fakolade said.
He emphasized the administration's bold vision to reduce import and export clearance times from an average of 10 to 18 days to just 24 hours. According to him, this shift will not only increase transparency and reduce bureaucratic delays but also improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business and attract foreign direct investment, thereby contributing to GDP growth.
Fakolade noted that following the formal inauguration of the project by President Bola Tinubu on April 16, 2024, stakeholder engagements have commenced to develop the framework and governance structure necessary for the initiative’s successful implementation.
Acknowledging historical challenges in Nigeria’s trade system—such as long clearance times and poor coordination among regulatory agencies—Fakolade said the NSW platform would address these inefficiencies by enabling seamless access to trade information and documentation.
He described the project as a “groundbreaking journey” that would modernize Nigeria’s trade processes and position the country as a leader in global trade facilitation.
He also highlighted that the success of the NSW Project depends on collaboration among key agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, NAFDAC, NESREA, CBN, NPA, FAAN, terminal operators, and security agencies such as the NDLEA and DSS. He stressed the importance of collective participation and the need for infrastructure that supports compliance with international standards.
Fakolade expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the project, acknowledging their dedication and expertise. “At the inauguration, the President reiterated that this project would be a legacy of the present administration. All those involved would be writing their names in gold,” he said.
He called for unity and commitment, urging stakeholders to embrace the opportunities presented by the NSW Project for national prosperity.
In a keynote address titled “The Role of NSW in Enhancing Economic Efficiency,” Mr. Peter Ekunkoya provided an overview of the team’s progress and future expectations. He explained that the Single Window is a facility that allows parties involved in trade and transport to submit standardized information and documents at a single entry point to fulfill all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements.
According to Ekunkoya, key features of the initiative include a single interface, data sharing, transparency, e-payment, and risk management. He noted that the system has saved Singapore around $1 billion per year, and since 2014, Kenya has recorded economic savings of approximately $22.5 million annually through its implementation.
He added that the system will reduce the average time to clear goods from 18 days to 1 day, reduce export times from 11 days to 1 day, cut down physical inspections from 90% to 25%, and decrease clearing charges, demurrage, and other fees by at least 50%.
Ekunkoya emphasized that the project would streamline trade processes, harmonize documentation, enable pre-arrival processing, facilitate 100% electronic payments, and leverage Customs’ Post Clearance Audit. “We have selected CrimsonLogic (Singapore) as the preferred technology vendor for the National Single Window solution. The next step is to finalize vendor selection and obtain FEC approval,” he said.
Although the project is behind schedule, he stated that it is expected to be fully operational by March 2026. He urged all stakeholders to support the initiative for the transformation of the Nigerian economy.
Also speaking at the event, a Senior Forwarder and Registrar of the NAGAFF Academy, Forwarder Idowu Omotosho, in his presentation titled “Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Trade: The Role of the National Single Window in Combating Corruption,” explained that the NSW is a global trade facilitation tool rooted in international conventions such as the International Maritime Organization’s FAL Convention, the World Customs Organization’s Revised Kyoto Convention, and the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Omotosho outlined three global models of National Single Windows: Single Window for Foreign Trade Clearance Formalities, Single Window for Logistics Coordination, and the National Integral Single Window. He noted that the latter is the most comprehensive but also the most complex.
He emphasized that successful implementation hinges on stakeholder commitment, especially from public agencies like Customs. While private sector players usually support such reforms due to clear economic benefits, government agencies may perceive them as threats to their control.
Omotosho emphasized that the NSW is not just a digital reform, but a paradigm shift in governance. He described it as “the highest standard of excellence in public service delivery,” highlighting its benefits: reducing corruption and revenue leakages, simplifying clearing processes, enhancing transparency, increasing revenue, attracting FDI, and supporting overall growth.
He proposed the “Five Lesses” agenda for optimized cargo clearance across Nigeria’s ports: Paperless Operations – 100% electronic processing and a single clearance document. Cashless Operations – Full implementation of electronic payment systems. Timeless Operations – 24-hour clearance and surveillance. Taxless Operations – Simplified taxation via a single point and reduced tariffs. Seamless Operations – Synchronized coordination among all stakeholders
He also advocated for regional integration and the adoption of a single African currency. “Anything short of this is a waste of time,” Omotosho concluded, urging stakeholders to align for the success of the project.
The National President of NAGAFF, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, in his goodwill message, also praised the NSW initiative. Represented by Deputy National President, Chief Afam Chukwuma, he described the project as a massive undertaking but one that could be a game changer for Nigeria if implemented effectively. “NAGAFF supports the NSW initiative and we will play our part to make it work,” he affirmed.
Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, represented by Assistant Comptroller A.G. Umar, also commended the federal government’s efforts on the project, urging all stakeholders to support initiatives that can enhance trade and transform the economy.
Likewise, the Assistant Director of DSS Apapa, Mr. Amos Sar, praised the NSW initiative, stating that Nigerians should support any project that boosts trade and improves the national economy.
The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to some distinguished personalities.
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