Nigeria has taken a bold step toward revolutionizing its trade facilitation and port efficiency with the development of a comprehensive implementation roadmap for the National Single Window (NSW) project, a digital platform designed to unify and simplify all trade-related procedures across government agencies.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, joined Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima and heads of critical government agencies in Abuja on Thursday to deliberate on the framework that will guide the successful rollout of the NSW system by 2026.
The meeting, chaired by the Vice President under the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee, brought together top executives from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)—key institutions that will drive the operational integration of the single window platform.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Dantsoho reaffirmed the NPA’s readiness to play a central role in the NSW project, noting that the Authority is already streamlining its operations, upgrading its digital infrastructure, and harmonizing inter-agency processes in anticipation of the system’s deployment. He explained that the NSW will digitize and centralize port operations, allowing for real-time processing of documentation for vessel entry, cargo clearance, and exit procedures.
“The National Single Window will fundamentally change the way we do business at the ports,” Dantsoho stated. “It will eliminate redundant procedures, reduce vessel turnaround time, and lower the cost of doing business, making Nigeria’s ports more competitive within the region.”
The Vice President, Senator Shettima, emphasized that the National Single Window aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader economic reform and digital transformation agenda. He described the initiative as a cornerstone policy that will enhance trade efficiency, transparency, and accountability across Nigeria’s logistics and maritime sectors.
“By 2026, Nigeria will have a fully integrated trade facilitation system comparable to global standards. The National Single Window will not only reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks but also strengthen investor confidence and drive economic diversification,” the Vice President said.
Experts say the implementation of the NSW could reduce cargo clearance time from weeks to days, while saving the government and private sector billions in operational costs. It will also improve Nigeria’s ranking on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, particularly in the “Trading Across Borders” category.
The Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee tasked the NPA, NCS, and FIRS with developing a comprehensive framework that integrates data sharing, cybersecurity standards, and regulatory compliance mechanisms to ensure smooth operations once the system becomes operational.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, the National Single Window project is being seen as one of the most transformative trade initiatives in Nigeria’s history—poised to unlock efficiency, attract investment, and firmly position Nigeria as West Africa’s leading maritime and logistics hub.
NPA MD Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho joins VP Kashim Shettima and top agencies to craft the roadmap for Nigeria’s National Single Window, a 2026-bound digital platform to simplify trade, boost port efficiency, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global commerce.
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