Nigeria National Single Window to simplify trade processes, boost competitiveness – Fakolade

The Director of the Nigeria National Single Window, Tola Fakolade, has outlined the benefits of the new government initiative, saying it will facilitate trade, streamline import and export documentation processes, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a competitive trading hub in Africa.

Fakolade also assured stakeholders that the platform would not interfere with the statutory revenue collection responsibilities of agencies operating within the country’s maritime sector.

He made the clarification during a sensitisation programme organised for officers of the Nigeria Customs Service in Lagos ahead of the Phase One launch of the platform scheduled for March 27, 2026.

Addressing concerns and misconceptions about the initiative, Fakolade explained that the National Single Window is designed solely to facilitate trade and improve coordination among government agencies involved in import and export operations.

According to him, once operational, the system will integrate multiple government agencies onto a unified digital platform, enabling traders to submit documentation and complete regulatory procedures through a single interface.

He noted that the initiative is widely regarded as a major step toward reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and improving operational efficiency in trade processes.

The sensitisation programme forms part of ongoing efforts by the National Single Window Secretariat to ensure that all government agencies involved in trade operations are fully aligned with the project’s objectives ahead of its full implementation.

“The National Single Window is not taking over revenue collection from agencies. What it will do is facilitate ease of trade by integrating processes and improving transparency across all participating agencies,” Fakolade said.

He further stressed that the initiative is not a tax collection mechanism for the Nigeria Revenue Service but a presidential project aimed at modernising Nigeria’s trade infrastructure.

“The National Single Window is a presidential initiative with a steering committee comprising all relevant government agencies, each duly represented and led by the Presidency.

 Although the project is funded by the Nigeria Revenue Service, its objective is not to compete with any agency but to strengthen collaboration and efficiency,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Oluyomi Adebakin, underscored the strategic importance of the platform to Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.

Adebakin noted that the National Single Window would significantly enhance operational efficiency within Customs while boosting Nigeria’s reputation in international trade.

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According to her, digitising and harmonising trade-related procedures will help position Nigeria more favourably in the global trading environment.

“The National Single Window will improve Nigeria’s image in the committee of nations as it relates to trade. It will simplify procedures, reduce delays, and strengthen transparency within the system,” she said.

Participants at the sensitisation workshop were taken through detailed presentations on the operational framework, benefits, and collaborative structure of the platform.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for officers to seek clarification on how the initiative would interact with existing systems across agencies.