By ThePreview Team

 

Nigeria will launch the highly anticipated National Single Window (NSW) platform on March 27.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, described the move as a “monumental” step in transforming the country’s trade ecosystem.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, said Mr Gbajabiamila disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting at the State House, Abuja, attended by ministers, agency heads, and key officials.

Launched in April 2024, the NSW seeks to consolidate all agencies involved in imports and exports onto a unified electronic portal.‎ It is expected to reduce trade costs, cut delays, and enhance transparency and efficiency at Nigerian ports.‎

In July 2025, Mr Tinubu directed the NSW Steering Committee to ensure the platform becomes fully operational by the first quarter of 2026.‎

Mr Gbajabiamila said the initiative, first launched by Mr Tinubu nearly two years ago, is a far-reaching fiscal reform that will streamline trade procedures, improve efficiency, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness.

“We are about to launch yet another reform, fiscal reform by this administration, which in its nature will be very transformational. As the name suggests, it is a single national window as opposed to multiple single windows.

“This meeting is to review the progress we have made and get your commitment that we will manage this transition smoothly,” he said.

He commended the dedication and professionalism of the Central Bank, the Nigeria Revenue Service, the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies involved.

In his presentation, the NSW Coordinator, Tola Fakolade, urged agencies to intensify support in the final 23 days before the “go-live” as scheduled.

According to him, the first phase will enable online processing of import permits, electronic submission of cargo manifests, and the introduction of a centralised risk management system.

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He added that nationwide user training is ongoing, and pilot testing will soon be conducted to ensure a smooth rollout.

Mr Fakolade added that cargo manifests would be submitted electronically and transmitted automatically to relevant agencies without human intervention.

“The support that we need from each of the agencies is even more critical now. Documents will be submitted once and shared with all relevant agencies without duplication.”

Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the project.

“This is a growth-enhancing and growth-enabling project. What is required of the Ministry of Finance, we will definitely do,” he said.