President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the National Single Window (NSW) project—a flagship digital trade facilitation platform—must become fully operational across Nigeria by the first quarter of 2026.
The directive was issued on Tuesday during the fifth meeting of the NSW Steering Committee held at the State House, Abuja. Representing the President, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila underscored the importance of the project in accelerating Nigeria’s economic transformation, describing it as a pivotal step toward achieving a $1 trillion economy.
“The single window is a critical reform effort of Mr. President that we must implement effectively,” Gbajabiamila said. “We must remain focused and meet our timelines.”
Gbajabiamila added that the recent signing of the Tax Reform Acts in June reaffirmed the administration’s broader commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s financial and trade sectors.
The National Single Window, launched in April 2024, is a digital platform aimed at integrating all government agencies involved in import and export processes. It seeks to eliminate delays, reduce costs, and streamline operations at Nigeria’s ports by providing a one-stop platform for traders and government regulators.
Finance Minister Wale Edun emphasized the urgency of transitioning from strategy to execution, urging all stakeholders to “move swiftly from planning to action.” Similarly, Minister of Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole insisted that the Q1 2026 rollout timeline must be met, stressing that the project’s success is non-negotiable.
Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, and NSW Project Director Tola Fakolade both provided assurances of steady progress, confirming that all second-quarter milestones had been achieved.
The NSW is expected to drive efficiency in cross-border trade, boost investor confidence, and enhance transparency, placing Nigeria in alignment with global best practices in trade facilitation.
