The National Single Window project, launched in April 2024, is a Federal Government initiative to create a centralized digital trade facilitation platform that consolidates all agencies involved in import and export processes, aiming to reduce trade costs, shorten delays, and improve efficiency at Nigerian ports.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the directive during the fifth meeting of the NSW Steering Committee held at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.
He highlighted the urgency of the project in light of the recently enacted Tax Reform Acts, emphasising the importance of trade and financial reforms to achieve Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy vision.
“It’s important that we continue to stay focused on this project. So that at the end of the day, we meet our timelines and achieve the results the President expects,” he said.
He also noted that the project is “one of the transformative initiatives of Mr. President which we collectively must ensure is effectively and commendably implemented.”
The Chief of Staff further stressed that the NSW platform will enhance investment opportunities, increase trade revenue, improve transparency, and boost Nigeria’s credibility in global business. He urged all involved agencies to refine their targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) to meet the Phase 1 rollout.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described the progress as “encouraging” but called for accelerated execution, saying, “This project is complex but transformational,” and emphasized the need to move swiftly from strategy to implementation.
Similarly, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, charged the committee to meet the Q1 2026 deadline without fail.
Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, expressed gratitude to the President for his unwavering support.
“Thank you on behalf of the steering committee. We thank you for the relentless support that you have given to us,” he said, adding, “We can see that the reward for hard work is more work. When we started last month, it is now law; the single window is now in the law.”
Director of the National Single Window Project, Tola Fakolade, reported that all key milestones for the second quarter of 2025 have been achieved, and customization of the platform has commenced. He reassured the committee of the commitment to meeting the project timelines.
