The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called for stronger collaboration among trade stakeholders to ensure the successful rollout of the National Single Window (NSW) project. A flagship digital initiative designed to simplify Nigeria’s import and export procedures and enhance efficiency across the nation’s ports.
The charge was made by the Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, during the National Single Window Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held in Lagos.
Jointly organised by the National Single Window Project Secretariat and the Nigeria Customs Service, the forum brought together representatives from key government agencies, trade associations, and the import and export community to align efforts ahead of the project’s phased implementation.
In his remarks, ACG Babandede emphasised that the success of the NSW initiative depends on the collective commitment of all parties involved in Nigeria’s trade and logistics ecosystem.
“The success of this project does not rest on the shoulders of government alone,” he said. “It requires all of us to play our part to be open to change, adopt new ways of working, and show patience as we navigate the challenges that come with major transformation.”
Babandede further noted that enhancing port operations through digital integration will boost competitiveness and predictability for manufacturers and traders.
“The more efficient our ports become, the more competitive they are allowing businesses to better plan and project outcomes,” he added.
The Director of the National Single Window Project and Head of Secretariat, Tola Fakolade, explained that the engagement was crucial as the project approaches the launch of its first phase.
“We are at a critical stage of this journey. This forum ensures that our key stakeholders understand the scope of what we are building and how it will reshape the way trade is conducted in Nigeria,” she stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Kingsley Igwe, described the NSW as a pivotal tool for Nigeria’s integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
“The National Single Window is essential to harmonising Nigeria’s trade procedures with continental and global standards. Through the Customs’ B’Odogwu platform, we can integrate free trade agreements, enhance transparency, and ensure accurate classification and duty payment systems,” he said.
The forum featured a panel session on global benchmarking, inter-agency coordination, and collaboration among trade actors, followed by an interactive Q&A segment that enabled participants to engage directly with project leads.
The National Single Window platform is a one-stop digital portal designed to connect all relevant government agencies, enabling traders to submit import and export documentation through a single access point. The initiative aims to reduce delays, cut costs, and improve transparency in Nigeria’s trade processes.
The first phase of the project is scheduled for launch in March 2026, with subsequent phases expected to be completed before the end of the year marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward trade digitalisation and economic competitiveness.