TRADE FACILITATION: FG Reaffirms Commitment To Launch Nigeria’s National Single Window Phase 1 In March
By Roland Ekama
The Federal Government of Nigeria has again reiterated the start of Phase 1 for the National Single Window (NSW) Project, launching on March 27, 2026.
This move reforms the country’s trade ecosystem with technology, transparency, and smarter regulations
.The NSW is a centralized digital platform that lets traders submit all trade-related info once through a single interface. Government agencies then access, process, and approve documents seamlessly.
It promises to cut delays, eliminate duplication, boost efficiency, and lower business costs at ports and borders.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the project’s inauguration on April 16, 2024, hailed the NSW as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s trade and economic reforms.
“It will replace fragmentation with coordination, opacity with transparency, and delay with efficiency,” the Presidency quoted him saying.
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He linked it to goals like economic diversification, non-oil export growth, and ease of doing business.Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole called it a game-changer that simplifies and democratized trade. The platform streamlines documentation for better transparency, tracking, and higher trade volumes—especially benefiting experienced traders.
Mr. Tola Fakolade, Director of the National Single Window Project, outlined the phased rollout. Phase 1 targets statutory permits and cargo manifests to stabilize the system and deliver quick wins on key bottlenecks.
He stated that”We’ve learned from past ‘big bang’ tech rollouts that caused disruptions,”
“Phasing prioritizes sustainability, user adoption, and improvement.”Future phases will expand scope, add agencies, and integrate the full trade chain, using real data and feedback for scalability.
“The government pledges close collaboration with private sector, partners, and stakeholders for a smooth rollout.
“This unlocks faster goods movement, stronger revenue, and a competitive edge for Nigerian businesses,” Fakolade added.
With Phase 1 live soon, Nigeria advances modern trade governance focused on efficiency, transparency, and adaptability.