Nigeria is targeting a $1 trillion economy by 2030, and the National Single Window (NSW) initiative is set to play a pivotal role in realising this ambition. By streamlining and digitising trade processes, the NSW aims to enhance efficiency, eliminate bottlenecks and increase transparency, ultimately positioning Nigeria’s ports and trade systems for global competitiveness and sustainable economic growth. EKAETE BASSEY reports
As Nigeria sets its sights on a $1 trillion economy by 2030, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is moving with determination to achieve this ambitious goal. With just five years left on the clock, the government is zeroing in on one sector that could make or break the nation’s economic future: trade.
The first phase of the National Single Window (NSW) initiative—a transformative approach to streamline Nigeria’s import and export processes—will kick off this year. This is not just another digital upgrade; it represents a bold shift toward simplifying the complex and often chaotic systems that have plagued the nation’s trade industry for decades. The initiative promises to consolidate all trade-related processes into one unified platform, replacing the fragmented multi-window system where various agencies run separate digital platforms. Originally introduced in 2016 and revived in 2024 by President Tinubu, the NSW is an electronic portal designed to connect all the players in Nigeria’s trade ecosystem—government agencies, importers, exporters, and customs officials—on a single, integrated platform. By addressing long-standing issues such as delays, lack of transparency, and revenue leakages, the NSW aims to boost trade efficiency, enhance government revenue, and improve national security at Nigeria’s borders. These improvements are crucial, especially considering Nigeria’s consistently low ranking on global ease-of-doing-business indexes.
However, the NSW initiative is not a sudden innovation. It’s the next logical step in a series of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s trade systems. Over the years, the country has cycled through different systems—from the Nigeria Integrated Customs System (NICIS I and NICIS II) to the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA + and ASYCUDA ++). Each evolution has been an attempt to solve the same problems: inefficiency, opacity, and the constant challenge of navigating multiple, disconnected systems. With the NSW, the goal is clear: to create a seamless, one-stop-shop for all trade-related transactions.
The President, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero, however, pointed out that the NSW is essentially distinct from NICIS I and NICIS II, and other systems, which are only procedural frameworks rather than platforms with a single window. Rather than being completely integrated trade solutions, these systems, according to Amiwero, function as process recommendations. “A true single window is about streamlining documentation and transactions into a single application, often referred to as a one-stop-shop,” he said.
Explaining further, the NCMDLCA boss said unlike NICIS, which focuses on procedural checks, a single window ensures harmonised data exchange among all trade-related agencies. “Similarly, ASYCUDA ++, which I played a key role in introducing, was a Customs processing system, not an initiative of the Customs Service or the Federal Government. It was developed based on a proposal I authored, forming part of the broader push for destination inspection and digital trade facilitation,” Amiwero added.
Now, going by Amiwero’s informed perspective, it means that on the behest of the NSW project, all trade-related agencies, such as Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and others, will now operate under a single, unified system, powered by a one-stop-shop that will streamline documentation and transactions into a single application.
Driving Nigeria’s transition to $1tr economy with NSW
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite; Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji; and Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, all made insightful presentations at the recent “Stakeholders’ Forum on the Establishment of National Single Window” in Lagos. Each emphasised that the National Single Window (NSW) project is one of the key initiatives introduced by the Federal Government to propel Nigeria toward becoming a $1 trillion economy.
In his presentation, Oyetola explained that the NSW system is designed to enhance transparency by eliminating redundancies in the trade process. This will help prevent revenue leakages, which are estimated to exceed $3 billion annually. He further highlighted that, once fully implemented, the NSW system could reduce average cargo clearance times at Nigerian ports by up to 60%. This efficiency boost, Oyetola noted, is expected to significantly improve port operations and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.
It’s important to recall that last year, the Federal Government launched a new financial inclusion policy aimed at transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Vice President Kashim Shettima unveiled the policy in Abuja, emphasising the administration’s commitment to enhancing financial and economic inclusion across the country. Since then, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been collaborating with the private sector to achieve this ambitious goal. “The implementation of the National Single Window in Nigeria’s trade industry is fully aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It is a strategic enabler for greater port efficiency, improved revenue collection, and enhanced transparency,” Oyetola affirmed during the Stakeholders’ Forum.
The Minister highlighted that countries like Singapore and the Netherlands have demonstrated how Single Window systems can revolutionise port op erations, transforming them into global trade hubs. He emphasized that Nigeria has the potential to achieve similar success by fully embracing this initiative. He pointed out, for example, that the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports can be up to 40% higher than in other West African nations due to delays and administrative bottlenecks. This inefficiency leads to an estimated annual revenue loss of N2.5 trillion within the business community.
Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), expressed optimism about the potential of the NSW project to accelerate Nigeria’s transition into a $1 trillion economy. He noted that the NSW project is not just an improvement in Nigeria’s trade processes but a transformative leap towards unlocking the country’s vast economic potential. He added, “This initiative will significantly contribute to the realisation of a $1 trillion economy by 2031, in alignment with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Similarly, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of State for Finance, emphasised that by simplifying trade processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and fostering greater efficiency, the NSW system will enable Nigerian businesses to seamlessly connect with global markets. She pointed out that the shift to paperless trade under the NSW platform is expected to yield an annual economic benefit of around $2.7 billion. Countries like Singapore, South Korea, the UAE, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia have already experienced substantial improvements in trade efficiency after implementing similar systems. Dr. Uzoka-Anite also reiterated that the initiative goes beyond enhancing the ease of doing business. It will support the diversification of Nigeria’s economy, reduce dependency on oil exports, and encourage the growth of non-oil sectors. These measures aim to build a resilient economy capable of weathering unforeseen challenges, aligning with the ongoing reforms under President Tinubu’s administration for a better and stronger Nigeria.
The MD FAAN, Mrs. Kuku, also said the vision of the NSW initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s goal of expanding the national economy to $1 trillion. She, therefore, urged stakeholders to embrace the initiative, emphasising the initiative’s role in enhancing trade facilitation and positioning Nigeria as a global economic powerhouse. “It’s an innovative digital platform that seamlessly integrates government agencies, private stakeholders, and financial institutions,” she stated.
Mrs. Kuku, while noting that leveraging digital solutions, Nigeria could improve efficiency and transparency within its trade ecosystem, reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to supporting trade growth and enhancing aviation infrastructure to align with global standards. “These initiatives reaffirm the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and FAAN’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria into a global trade and aviation excellence hub,” she said.
Industry Minister Dr. Oduwole is no less expectant. She said the transformative power of the NSW would redefine ways trade was being conducted across Nigeria’s borders. “The establishment of a NSW system for trade processes in Nigeria is not merely a policy objective; it is a transformative reform that will fundamentally redefine the way trade is conducted across our borders. Our single window project will provide a centralised digital platform for traders to submit, process, and access trade-related documentation, thereby eliminating corruption through improved transparency, reducing administrative burdens, and significantly enhancing the ease of doing business in Nigeria,” Dr. Oduwole said.
The Minister, who recalled that she had been part of the NSW project since 2016, enthused that “the time for delivery is now.” She stated that economic growth and job creation are key priorities under President Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda, and that the NSW will play a significant role in achieving these goals by enabling Nigerian businesses to compete more effectively in global markets and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “Exports not only contribute to Nigeria’s GDP but also provide the foreign exchange needed to stabilise our economy and foster sustainable development,” Dr. Oduwole said, pointing out that the NSW would align Nigeria’s trade processes with global standards, including frameworks under the AfCFTA, which is a priority area.
“Indeed, this initiative aligns seamlessly with Nigeria’s commitments under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), finalised at the 9th Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia, in December 2013, and enforced in 2017. Article 10.4 of the Agreement encourages the adoption of single window systems, recognising their potential to reduce trade costs by over 14 per cent in low-income countries and 13 per cent in upper-middle-income countries,” she stated.
On his part, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said the NSW is a central piece in the modernisation of Nigeria’s trade facilitation, and the NPA is fully committed to its successful implementation. He said while repositioning Nigerian Ports to maintain regional and continental competitiveness, the NPA has embarked on process reengineering aimed at aligning its functions with the objectives of the NSW and ensure parity with regional competitors, focusing on seamless data availability and enhanced transparency. In Dantsoho’s words: “Our mission is to position Nigeria as the trans-shipment hub in West Africa, and with our strategic location, a population of over 200 million people, and a large market, Nigerian Ports have the potential to become the leading transshipment hub in the African region. We also have the potential to serve as a transit port to land-locked countries since out of the 44 land-locked countries in the world, 16 are in Africa.”
The NPA boss, however, lamented that this potential is currently constrained by infrastructure challenges and competition, as neighbouring countries continue to develop their port’s infrastructure. He, however, said the Authority’s port modernisation projects will bridge this gap and ensure that Nigeria’s ports remain competitive with regional counterparts.
‘NSW’s implementation not a roller-coaster’
The challenge of inadequate port infrastructure, as highlighted by Dr. Dantsoho, represents just one of the many formidable obstacles that could hinder the successful implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project and the creation of an efficient, seamless trade industry. Such an industry is critical to Nigeria’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman, the Special Assistant to the President on Policy Coordination, also emphasised the importance of strong political will in ensuring the NSW project’s success. She remarked, “We must ensure the ICT readiness of all agencies involved, and more importantly, we need strong political will, which the Chairman of FIRS has demonstrated through the support from President Tinubu.”
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller General Kikelomo Adeola, cautioned that relying solely on technology would not meet the expectations of the NSW project. “The deployment of advanced digital platforms must be accompanied by thorough process reengineering, capacity building, and effective change management,” he said. “Past initiatives in Nigeria faltered because there was an overemphasis on technology without adequately addressing the human and operational factors.”
The fragmented implementation of the NSW system was a point of criticism for Amiwero, President of the NCMDLCA. He expressed concerns about the lack of integration, stating, “When you talk about a NSW, you’re essentially dealing with multiple windows. For example, Customs has its own window, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has its own, the government has another, and even the Central Bank operates its own window. This creates a situation where you have multiple windows instead of a unified system.” Tola Fakolade, Head of the NSW Secretariat, announced that the first phase of the NSW project will begin this year, focusing on training and testing. He emphasised the need for full cooperation from all stakeholders and noted that the NSW system, which originated in Singapore, has also been successfully implemented in countries such as Djibouti and Kenya.
Despite this progress, Amiwero stressed that the true value of a NSW lies in data harmonisation, which ensures seamless and integrated trade processes. “NSW is not just about talk; it requires proper data harmonisation,” he explained. “This means integrating all relevant agencies under a single platform so that when a transaction is initiated, approvals from bodies like NAFDAC, SON, Customs, and others are processed automatically in the background, eliminating the need for multiple, separate interactions.” He further compared Nigeria’s trade process to that of countries like the United States, Senegal, and Singapore, where goods can be declared within minutes. In contrast, he noted, “In Nigeria, it takes several days because we must account for numerous factors and deal with multiple agencies.”
‘NSW shouldn’t be mistaken for revenue-generation tool’
For NSW to work effectively, Amiwero said data harmonisation is crucial, ensuring a single application process that eliminates redundant steps. This initiative, he noted, must be driven from the highest level of government, as the presidency has already begun efforts in this direction. The NCMDLCA chief further argued that the NSW is designed for trade facilitation, not revenue generation, suggesting that if the government focused solely on revenue, the essence of the NSW will be lost. He insisted that the primary function of a single window is to streamline transactions, making trade processes more efficient, adding, however, that by enhancing trade efficiency, it indirectly accelerates revenue collection. “A NSW should not be mistaken for a revenue-generation tool,” the industry activist cautioned, pointing out that “if the goal is to boost revenue, an integrated revenue system is required, and the key to increasing government earnings lies in harmonising and integrating revenue streams, rather than relying on the single window, which is meant to reduce business costs and simplify trade operations.”
An economic analyst, Prof Ndubisi Nwokoma, highlighted that “Nigeria does not suffer from a lack of policies but rather from poor implementation.” While noting that Nigeria’s trade sector is plagued by systemic inefficiencies, which hinder smooth policy execution, he said every administration whether under Obasanjo, Buhari, or Jonathan has introduced good policies to tackle such systemic inefficiencies. Prof Nwokoma insisted that Nigeria’s problem has never been about policy formulation but about implementation. He also identified corruption, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and revenue leakages as major hindrances, warning that policy success elsewhere does not guarantee effectiveness in Nigeria due to the peculiarities of the operating environment. “So, if we are going to import any policy framework that works in other countries, there is no guarantee it will work in Nigeria because of the peculiarities of the operating environment,” he said.
The economic analyst added: “I don’t really bother about whether a policy is good, has been implemented or is not good. The critical issue is the environment and the players. The leakages are too enormous. And that’s a very critical issue. When it comes to import and export in Nigeria, a major issue is the presence of leakages within the system, including in foreign exchange earnings and Customs operations. These inefficiencies often lead to compromise and revenue loss for the government.” He further stated that he does not see a problem with policy formulation, design, or implementation in Nigeria. “The real challenge,” he insisted, “lies with those responsible for executing these policies, as operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies persist at that level.” He also questioned the government’s revenue drive, stating, “We often talk about revenue generation, but how are these funds used? Do they actually improve the human condition, or do they fuel more leakages in the system?”
Kayode Farinto, a former Acting President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), expressed optimism about the long-awaited implementation of the National Single Window (NSW), citing emerging political will as a key factor for success. However, he stressed that one of the most critical components for ensuring the system’s success is a solid legal framework. According to Farinto, both importers and government agencies must be adequately protected under this framework. He gave the example that if an agency deliberately causes delays in cargo clearance, importers should have legal recourse, including the ability to demand compensation for storage costs or pursue legal action. “The National Single Window is achievable if there is a legal framework in place. This framework must ensure accountability, so no agency can arbitrarily delay consignment clearance without consequences,” Farinto explained.
In addition to the legal foundation, Farinto emphasised the importance of shifting government priorities from focusing solely on revenue generation to facilitating trade. He criticised the persistent focus on revenue collection, which he argued hampers smooth trade operations and ultimately undermines both business efficiency and revenue targets. “You cannot keep pushing for revenue while failing to facilitate trade; it’s counterproductive. If trade is not facilitated, you may not even generate the revenue you seek,” he warned. Farinto also stressed the necessity of imposing strict sanctions on government agencies that violate or distort the NSW process. He warned that without such disciplinary measures, the system would be rendered ineffective, as agencies would continue to operate outside its intended framework.
In addition, Farinto called for an expansion of the NSW beyond cargo clearance at ports. He proposed the inclusion of a time-release study, which would track the movement of released cargo from port terminals to consignees’ warehouses. This, he argued, would help eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, particularly Customs’ post-clearance interventions, thereby improving overall trade efficiency. “We should not limit single window to pairs of cargoes alone. Let us incorporate what is called time-release study. When cargo ‘A’ is released from the terminal at Apapa Port, how long does it take to reach the consignee’s warehouse? Bureaucratic hurdles after clearance, particularly from Customs, often delay the process under the pretext of conducting additional checks. This is why the World Customs Organisation (WCO) has created what is called post-clearance audits to ensure compliance without unnecessary disruptions.”
According to him, if one succeeds in stealing 10 containers in the port indirectly or directly without paying proper revenue, such person shouldn’t celebrate because under seven years, Customs can still visit and demand appropriate payment of duty. “So, for the single window to succeed and for the revenue they are targeting to be realisable, these factors must be put in place. And above all, the regulatory agencies must be confined to their constitutional responsibility, that is, you are regulating this product. Government should stop giving them targets again,” he stated.
How the NSW project can deliver on its promises
Olumide Fakanlu, the National Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, acknowledged the potential benefits of the National Single Window (NSW). He highlighted that, unlike previous systems such as NICS and ASYCUDA, which focused solely on Customs clearance, the NSW aims to streamline all trade-related processes, impacting government revenue beyond just duties. While Fakanlu affirmed that the NSW system is designed to integrate various agencies, including NAFDAC and NDLEA, into a unified platform for easy access and sharing of requirements, his optimism about the system’s potential benefits remains cautious. He expressed concerns about Nigeria’s readiness for the successful implementation of the system, noting that significant challenges still lie ahead. “We are used to having good ideas, but when it comes to implementation, we start dangling legs. The NSW will facilitate trade, impact the nation’s progress but are we ready?” Fakanlu asked, pointing out that “There are some people who are by the corner, though may not be the majority, but are ready to sabotage the initiative just for their own selfish reasons.”
The freight forwarder also pointed out that infrastructure and technological readiness remain significant barriers to the successful implementation of the National Single Window (NSW). For example, he noted that some banks have yet to integrate into the Customs’ B’Odogwu system, causing delays in duty collection. “Are we ready?” he questioned, emphasizing that “as we speak, some networks are still not functioning. Let’s start with that—have we built enough network capacity?”
Fakanlu, while acknowledging that Customs introduced the B’Odogwu system, which will be incorporated into the NSW, expressed disappointment that many banks have still not adopted it. “For the past three months, they have not been able to move forward on the B’Odogwu because the banks are not on board,” he revealed. “It is only in one command in Nigeria that they’ve started, but they haven’t expanded to other commands.”
Despite these challenges, Fakanlu remained cautiously optimistic, saying, “Let us be hopeful. We will get there.” He reflected the sentiment that while the NSW could revolutionize Nigeria’s trade sector, its success hinges on government commitment, stakeholder collaboration, and addressing deeply ingrained structural issues. Promoters of the NSW project are aware of these concerns raised by operators and stakeholders. For instance, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, issued a “call to collaboration,” acknowledging that the successful implementation of the NSW would require collective effort. She emphasised that transparency, inter-agency cooperation, and adherence to international standards must remain guiding principles. Dr. Oduwole assured that the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment would fully support the initiative to “build a system that not only facilitates trade but also drives economic growth, attracts investment, and creates opportunities for all Nigerians.”
Dr. Adedeji of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) echoed Oduwole’s views, underscoring that the success of this ambitious project depends on one crucial element: collaboration. “We must dismantle the traditional silos that have hampered our efforts, foster a spirit of shared responsibility, and commit collectively to achieving our common goals,” he said. “This requires a fundamental shift in our mindset—a willingness to embrace change, adapt to new ways of working, and prioritize the national interest above individual organizational interests.” Indeed, if properly implemented, the NSW has the potential to streamline trade, reduce delays, lower costs, and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness. However, experts insist that success will depend on strict compliance by government agencies, eliminating systemic leakages, and ensuring full digital infrastructure readiness.
