By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called on all stakeholders in the trade sector to demonstrate collective commitment toward the successful implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project, a unified digital platform designed to streamline import and export operations across the country.
Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Mohammed Babandede, who is also the Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, made the call during the National Single Window Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held in Lagos. The forum was jointly organised by the National Single Window Project Secretariat and the NCS, bringing together representatives of relevant government agencies, trade associations, importers, exporters and logistics operators.
In his opening remarks, ACG Babandede stressed that the success of the project would depend on the cooperation and readiness of all participants to embrace change. He said the initiative requires “openness to new ways of working, patience and the will to adapt,” noting that the National Single Window would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s trade facilitation and port efficiency.
“The more we make our ports efficient, the more competitive they become. Manufacturers and stakeholders will then be able to predict outcomes and plan their businesses with greater certainty,” Babandede stated.
Director of the National Single Window Project and Head of Secretariat, Tola Fakolade, explained that the stakeholders’ forum was timely as the first phase of the project approaches its launch. He said the engagement was aimed at ensuring that all relevant actors understand the project’s framework and their expected roles in its success.
In his keynote address, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Kingsley Igwe, highlighted the strategic role of the NSW in strengthening Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He observed that seamless and cost-effective trade processes are vital for the country’s competitiveness and alignment with global best practices.
Igwe also noted that Customs’ “B’Odogwu” platform would serve as an essential component in integrating duty classification and payments within the NSW system.
The engagement featured panel discussions on global benchmarking, inter-agency coordination and digital integration strategies. Participants also had the opportunity to interact directly with project leaders during a question-and-answer session.
When fully operational, the National Single Window will enable importers and exporters to submit all required documentation through a single online portal, linking all relevant agencies and reducing delays caused by multiple handling. The first phase of the project is expected to go live in March 2026, with completion targeted before the end of the year.
