Nigeria’s National Single Window (NSW) project has entered an advanced stage of implementation, marking the most significant progress the country has recorded since first adopting the concept many years ago. The system, which is globally recognized as a central platform for simplifying trade processes, is now undergoing active testing and configuration ahead of its planned rollout in March 2026.
Ayokunnu Ojeniyi, Head of Change and Stakeholder Management, for National Single Window, representing Dr. Zacch Adedeji of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, delivering his paper at the retreat of the Maritime Correspondents Organization of Nigeria (MARCON) themed : Maximising Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Import and Export Trade, held on 4th December 2025 at the Lekki Free Zone, outlined the strategic importance of technology driven processes in strengthening Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
Adedeji explained that the current level of progress represents a major milestone, noting that this is the first time the country has produced a working version of the platform for public and institutional review. He described the development as a turning point in Nigeria’s long, repeated attempts to implement a single window system.
According to Adedeji , the National Single Window is structured as a central digital platform through which all importers, exporters and trade operators can submit standardized documentation once, allowing all relevant government agencies to access the information simultaneously. He said the system will eliminate duplication, minimize delays, reduce manual handling of documents and improve visibility across the entire regulatory chain. He added that while countries like Ghana have used similar systems successfully for more than a decade, Nigeria is building a version designed to exceed regional performance benchmarks.
He emphasized that the NSW is expected to cut clearance time to under 24 hours when fully operational, significantly reduce the country’s average export processing duration, lower business costs and enhance transparency across all trade agencies. He said the platform will strengthen customs risk management and streamline overlapping roles between regulatory institutions such as SON and NAFDAC, helping eliminate long standing bottlenecks that have increased the cost of doing business in Nigeria.
He explained that progress has accelerated since President Bola Tinubu launched the implementation phase in April 2024. The project team has completed detailed business process analysis, implemented its first round of User Acceptance Testing with several regulatory agencies, and begun additional rounds of testing with the Nigerian Ports Authority and NIMASA. He noted that another phase of testing is scheduled for January 2026, while full scale training for all users across the trade ecosystem will begin in February.
Adedeji also confirmed that the system has been designed to integrate seamlessly with the Nigeria Customs Service’s NICIS II platform, maintaining customs’ internal operations while linking them to the unified trade system. He said the government is also deploying modern scanners, strengthening centralized risk management and incorporating data intelligence tools to enhance cargo monitoring and reduce physical inspections.
He attributed the unprecedented level of progress to strong political backing, pointing out that the project’s steering committee operates from the Office of the President and includes all major trade related agencies. He said the President’s consistent interest has provided the momentum needed to harmonize agency positions and push the project forward where earlier versions stalled.
Citing international case studies, he said countries with operational single window systems have successfully reduced export processing times from more than ten days to just two or three. He believes Nigeria can match and surpass these results within one to two years of full implementation, positioning the country as a leading trade hub in West Africa.
He called for continued stakeholder support and public engagement as the rollout approaches, stressing that while challenges may arise, the implementation team is prepared to respond swiftly and refine the system continuously. According to him, the benefits of the NSW will become evident quickly once the platform goes live.
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