The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intensified their partnership on the National Single Window (NSW) project, a major trade reform expected to transform Nigeria’s import and export processes, boost revenue generation, and improve the country’s global trade competitiveness.
At a high-level meeting held at the NCS Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, senior officials from both agencies reviewed ongoing preparations and agreed on concrete steps to speed up system integration ahead of the project’s official take-off in the first quarter of 2026.
The National Single Window, officially launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024, is a federal government initiative designed to simplify and automate trade procedures through a centralised digital platform for all trade-related transactions. By linking systems across multiple government agencies, the NSW will make it easier for importers and exporters to process documentation, reduce delays at ports, lower business costs, and enhance transparency in trade operations.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stressed the significance of the project, noting that it is a top priority for the Tinubu administration.
“This project is important to Mr President. Since the beginning of this administration, it has been listed among the key policies to create an environment that facilitates trade and makes the Nigerian economy more competitive,” Adeniyi said.
In his remarks, FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, assured the Customs chief of his agency’s full cooperation to ensure the project is delivered within the set deadline.
“We want to synergise with your agency. It’s high time we get involved, because now, Mr President has given us till the first quarter of 2026. I am here to support the CG and the Nigerian Customs Service to achieve the launching of the National Single Window and to seek further collaboration ahead of the first phase in March 2026,” Adedeji said.
The Director of the NSW Project, Tola Fakolade, also provided an update on the current progress.
“The Single Window serves as the central hub, linking all participating agencies, including Customs, into one unified platform. Achieving seamless integration at this stage is essential for meeting the Q1 2026 operational target, and we are here to ensure the necessary support is in place to stay on track,” Fakolade stated.
When fully implemented, the NSW is expected to bring wide-ranging benefits to government agencies, private sector operators, and consumers. The system will allow for faster cargo clearance times at ports, reduce operational costs for businesses, and significantly cut down bureaucratic delays.
Industry experts believe the project will also help Nigeria climb in global trade rankings, making the country more attractive to foreign investors. Improved transparency in customs operations and enhanced inter-agency coordination are expected to reduce corruption risks and strengthen revenue collection for the government.
The NSW will integrate key stakeholders such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and other regulatory bodies. By operating through a single entry point for all trade documents and approvals, the platform aims to create a seamless environment for importers, exporters, and government agencies.
Both FIRS and NCS have pledged to hold regular review meetings to ensure that all technical, operational, and legal frameworks are completed ahead of the March 2026 launch date. The project’s success is expected to mark a major milestone in Nigeria’s trade facilitation agenda and position the country as a key hub for West African commerce.
