Nigeria’s Single Window Project on Track for 2026 Launch

Nigeria’s Single Window Project on Track for 2026 Launch
Customs, FIRS, and key agencies rally behind Tinubu’s flagship trade reform to cut costs, speed cargo clearance, and boost competitiveness

The National Single Window (NSW) project is moving closer to its 2026 take off date as key government agencies reaffirm their commitment to the landmark trade reform.

The initiative, unveiled by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024, is designed to simplify trade procedures, strengthen transparency, and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.

At a review meeting held on August 12 at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, major stakeholders including the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, and the Director of the National Single Window, Tola Fakolade pledged to align their efforts to ensure timely implementation.

A follow-up session on September 16 saw Adedeji and Fakolade return to Customs Headquarters, where the FIRS Chairman expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.

 “I can’t thank you all enough for the wonderful progress. This has become the official headquarters of the implementation, with Customs playing host to the core integration of the Single Window,” Adedeji said.

Fakolade, in his briefing, confirmed that nationwide stakeholder engagement sessions would begin in October across Nigeria’s four zones. He also noted that bi-weekly technical meetings would continue to address operational issues and streamline integration.

 “Funds have been approved to support different MDAs, especially for IT infrastructure,” he explained. “We also plan to visit Customs commands to identify areas where further support may be needed.”

On his part, CGC Adeniyi reiterated Customs’ commitment to the project, stressing that the Service was not only fulfilling its technical obligations but also driving the broader vision of seamless trade.

“We are going to deliver on this mandate. At the pace we are striking agreements, I believe we will be right on target,” he assured.

When completed, the NSW is expected to reduce cargo clearance times, lower trade costs, curb revenue leakages, and unlock new opportunities for Nigeria’s economy. Analysts say the reform could also help Nigeria close competitiveness gaps with regional peers such as Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, where similar platforms have already improved efficiency in port operations and boosted investor confidence.