From left, Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Marine Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola; chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji; Managing Director, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho; head, National Single Window (NSW) project secretariat, Mr Tola Fakolade, at the opening of a three-day NSW industry and stakeholders’ forum held at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday
The opening of a three-day workshop on the National Single Window (NSW) initiative in Lagos marked a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s trade and economic development. Launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024, the NSW initiative seeks to eliminate bureaucratic delays in import and export processes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency at Nigeria’s ports. Stakeholders unanimously agreed that now is the ideal time to implement this transformative system.
Held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, the workshop brought together key figures, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, among others.
Driving Economic Growth Through Reform
Speaking at the forum, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola emphasized that the NSW initiative will streamline trade processes, eliminate sharp practices, and reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria. He highlighted the cost disparity between Nigerian ports and other West African ports, citing administrative bottlenecks that lead to ₦2.5 trillion in annual revenue losses.
“The National Single Window system can reduce these costs by at least 25%, improving transparency, streamlining operations, and driving economic growth,” Oyetola stated. He also outlined the government’s efforts to enhance multimodal connectivity through road, rail, and waterway infrastructure improvements, citing significant reductions in vessel and truck turnaround times.
“Our ultimate goal is to make Nigeria the hub of maritime activity in West Africa,” he added.
A Game-Changer for Trade Facilitation
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, described the NSW initiative as more than a policy—it is a reform that will redefine trade across Nigeria’s borders.
“Our single window project provides a centralized digital platform for trade-related documentation. It eliminates corruption, reduces administrative burdens, and enhances the ease of doing business. This reform aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, focusing on economic growth and job creation,” she said.
Drawing on global examples, Dr. Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, explained how similar initiatives in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Rwanda had revolutionized trade in those countries. She expressed confidence that the NSW system would attract foreign direct investment, strengthen the naira, and boost Nigeria’s exports, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
Towards a $1 Trillion Economy
FIRS Chairman Dr. Zacch Adedeji projected that the successful implementation of the NSW initiative could significantly contribute to achieving Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy goal by 2031.
“For too long, Nigeria’s trade processes have been plagued by inefficiencies that hinder our global competitiveness. The NSW initiative represents a critical step toward transforming Nigeria into a leading trade hub in Africa,” Adedeji said.
Lessons and the Road Ahead
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, stressed the importance of learning from past challenges that stymied similar efforts. He called for unified stakeholder collaboration, robust infrastructure, and unwavering government resolve to ensure the initiative’s success.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, also highlighted the potential of the NSW initiative to foster harmony among government agencies, reduce delays, and ensure efficient service delivery.
The Head of the NSW Secretariat, Mr. Tola Fakolade, closed the session by affirming that the first phase of the initiative would commence this year with training and testing. He emphasized the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders to drive the project’s success.
The National Single Window initiative represents a bold step toward unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential. By addressing inefficiencies, reducing costs, and fostering collaboration, the project positions Nigeria to achieve not just trade efficiency but also the long-term goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
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