By Odita Sunday
Nigeria’s National Single Window (NSW) project is gathering steam as government agencies double down on commitments to meet the 2026 rollout target.
Launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024, the flagship trade facilitation initiative is designed to simplify import and export processes, boost transparency, cut clearance times, and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
At a follow-up meeting held on September 16, 2025, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, and the NSW Director, Tola Fakolade, visited the Nigeria Customs Headquarters in Abuja to review progress.
Adedeji praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its central role in the project’s implementation, describing its headquarters as “the official hub of the Single Window rollout.”
He expressed confidence that the pace of work reflects the political will to deliver on the President’s mandate.
Fakolade announced that nationwide stakeholder engagement sessions will kick off in October across Nigeria’s four zones, while bi-weekly technical meetings will continue to fine-tune integration timelines and tackle operational challenges.
He further confirmed the release of funds to support MDAs with IT infrastructure upgrades critical to the project’s success.
Customs Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi reassured stakeholders of the Service’s unwavering commitment, saying
“We are going to deliver on this mandate. At the rate we are striking agreements, I believe we will hit the target right on schedule.”
When fully operational in early 2026, the NSW is expected to cut trade costs, curb revenue leakages, and drastically reduce cargo clearance times a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy and its standing in global trade.