The Federal Government is set to roll out the first phase of its long-awaited National Single Window (NSW) on 27 March 2026, marking a significant milestone in the government’s drive to modernise trade, cut red tape and boost transparency at ports and borders.
The NSW is a centralised digital platform that will allow traders to submit all trade-related documents through a single portal, while government agencies review and approve them in real time. By replacing fragmented, paper-heavy processes with a unified system, the government aims to slash delays, reduce duplication, curb inefficiencies and lower the cost of doing business.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has framed the initiative as a cornerstone of his economic reform agenda, saying it will transform how trade is conducted in Nigeria.
He described the platform as a shift from opacity to transparency and from delay to efficiency, aligning it with plans to diversify the economy, expand non-oil exports and improve the ease of doing business.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, called the system a game-changer that will simplify and democratise trade. She said the platform would streamline documentation, improve transaction tracking and help drive higher trade volumes, with experienced traders set to benefit from faster, more predictable processes. The government also expects the system to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub.
Project Director Tola Fakolade said the rollout will follow a phased approach, beginning with statutory permits and cargo manifests to stabilise the system and deliver quick wins where bottlenecks are most severe.
He noted that earlier large-scale technology projects had suffered from “big bang” launches that overwhelmed users and systems, and said the incremental strategy is designed to prioritise sustainability, user adoption and continuous improvement.
Future phases will expand the platform’s scope, bring more agencies on board and deepen integration across the trade value chain. Fakolade said the system will evolve in response to real data, user feedback and operational realities, ensuring it remains resilient and scalable.
As the launch approaches, the Federal Government has pledged to work closely with the private sector, development partners and trade stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. Officials say the digital overhaul will speed up the movement of goods, strengthen revenue assurance and create a more competitive environment for Nigerian businesses at home and abroad.