By George Ozalla
The Nigerian National Single Window (NSW) project is making significant progress towards its operational target of early 2026, following a series of high-level meetings at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja. Launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024, the project aims to simplify trade procedures, improve transparency, and deliver economic benefits to the nation.
At a review meeting on August 12, 2025, key stakeholders, including Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, and Director of the National Single Window, Tola Fakolade, pledged to strengthen inter-agency collaboration. The discussions centered on aligning integration timelines and ensuring agencies are ready before the first-quarter 2026 deadline.
During a follow-up session on September 16, 2025, Adedeji expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, commending the Customs management for their cooperation. Fakolade announced plans for broad stakeholder engagement sessions across the four zones of the country in October 2025 and confirmed that bi-weekly technical meetings will continue to address operational challenges and streamline integration processes.
The NSW project is expected to cut down cargo clearance times, lower trade costs, curb revenue leakages, and position Nigeria as a more competitive player in global trade. With renewed momentum and stronger agency partnerships, the project is on track to deliver lasting economic impact.
CGC Adeniyi assured that the Service remains fully committed to the project, emphasizing that Customs is not only meeting its technical responsibilities but also driving the broader vision of creating a seamless trade ecosystem. “We are going to deliver on this mandate. At the rate that we are currently striking agreements on so many of these issues, I want to believe we would be right on target,” he said.
The project’s progress reflects a strong will to deliver on the President’s mandate, with stakeholders working together to ensure a successful implementation. As the project nears its operational target, Nigeria is poised to reap the benefits of a more efficient and transparent trade environment.
