The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called for collective commitment from stakeholders across the trade and logistics sectors to ensure the successful implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project a flagship initiative designed to simplify import and export procedures through a single digital platform.
Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, made the call during the National Single Window Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held in Lagos.
The event, jointly organised by the NCS and the National Single Window Project Secretariat, brought together representatives of government agencies, freight forwarders, and trade associations to deliberate on the upcoming launch of the project.
In his opening remarks, ACG Babandede said the initiative’s success depended on the active cooperation and adaptability of all players in the trade ecosystem.
“The success of this project does not rest on the shoulders of government alone. It requires all of us to play our part, be open to change, adopt new ways of working, and exercise patience as we navigate the challenges that come with transformation,” he stated.
He added that improving efficiency at the nation’s ports would strengthen competitiveness and provide predictability for manufacturers and traders.
“The more efficient our ports become, the more competitive they will be. This will help stakeholders and manufacturers make better business projections,” he said.
Director of the National Single Window Project and Head of Secretariat, Tola Fakolade, said the engagement was critical as the project approaches its first phase launch.
“As we move closer to the launch of the first phase, it is important that all stakeholders understand the scope and implications of the project and how it will transform their operations,” she explained.
Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Kingsley Igwe, in his keynote address, described the NSW as essential to Nigeria’s full participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He noted that the platform would align Nigeria’s trade processes with continental and global standards, reduce costs, and enhance duty payment systems through the B’Odogwu platform of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The forum also featured a panel discussion on global benchmarking, coordination among trade actors, and inter-agency cooperation, followed by an interactive session with participants.
The National Single Window platform aims to enable importers and exporters to submit all required trade documents through a unified portal, connecting all relevant government agencies and reducing bottlenecks in cargo clearance.
The first phase of the project is expected to be launched in March 2026, while subsequent phases are scheduled for completion before the end of the same year.
