Single Window set to fast-track Nigeria’s maritime growth

Oyeniyi

Stanley Ihedigbo

Nigeria’s National Single Window (NSW) initiative is poised to accelerate growth in the maritime sector, with its advanced implementation expected to streamline trade processes and boost overall efficiency.

The system, globally recognised as a central platform for simplifying trade procedures, is now undergoing active testing and configuration ahead of its planned rollout in March 2026.

Head of Change and Stakeholder Management for the National Single Window, Ayokunu Oyeniyi, who represented Dr. Zacch Adedeji of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, said at the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) Retreat at the Lekki Free Zone that the benefits of the NSW will become evident quickly once the platform goes live.

Delivering a presentation at the retreat themed “Maximising emerging technologies for sustainable import and export trade,” Oyeniyi outlined the strategic importance of technology-driven processes in strengthening Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.

He explained that the current level of progress represents a major milestone, noting that this is the first time the country has produced a working version of the platform for public and institutional review.

He described the development as a turning point in Nigeria’s long, repeated attempts to implement a single window system.

According to him, the National Single Window is structured as a central digital platform through which all importers, exporters, and trade operators can submit standardised documentation once, enabling all relevant government agencies to access the information simultaneously.

He said the system will eliminate duplication, minimise delays, reduce manual handling of documents, and improve visibility across the entire regulatory chain.

He added that while countries like Ghana have used similar systems successfully for more than a decade, Nigeria is building a version designed to exceed regional performance benchmarks.

Oyeniyi emphasised that the NSW is expected to cut clearance time to under 24 hours when fully operational, significantly reduce the country’s average export processing duration, lower business costs, and enhance transparency across all trade agencies.

He said the platform will strengthen Customs risk management and streamline overlapping roles between regulatory institutions such as the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) helping to eliminate longstanding bottlenecks that have increased the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

He explained that progress has accelerated since President Bola Tinubu launched the implementation phase in April 2024.

The project team has completed detailed business process analysis, conducted its first round of User Acceptance Testing with several regulatory agencies, and begun additional testing with the Nigerian Ports Authority and NIMASA.

He noted that another phase of testing is scheduled for January 2026, while full-scale training for all users across the trade ecosystem will begin in February.

Oyeniyi also confirmed that the system has been designed to integrate seamlessly with the Nigeria Customs Service platform, maintaining Customs’ internal operations while linking them to the unified trade system. He added that the government is also deploying modern scanners, strengthening centralised risk management, and incorporating data intelligence tools to enhance cargo monitoring and reduce physical inspections.

He attributed the unprecedented level of progress to strong political backing, noting that the project’s steering committee operates from the Office of the President and includes all major trade-related agencies. He added that the President’s consistent interest has provided the momentum needed to harmonise agency positions and push the project forward, where earlier versions stalled.

Citing international case studies, Oyeniyi said countries with operational single window systems have successfully reduced export processing times from more than 10 days to just two or three. He believes Nigeria can match and surpass these results within one to two years of full implementation, positioning the country as a leading trade hub in West Africa.

He called for continued stakeholder support and public engagement as the rollout approaches, stressing that while challenges may arise, the implementation team is prepared to respond swiftly and refine the system continuously.