President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Single Window (NSW) by the first quarter of 2026, setting a definitive timeline for the country’s transition to a streamlined digital platform for trade approvals.
“This is one of the President’s key transformative projects, and we must ensure it is delivered effectively,” Gbajabiamila said. He emphasized that the success of the NSW platform would significantly simplify trade procedures, enhance transparency, increase revenue, and boost Nigeria’s global trade credibility.
The National Single Window is a centralized electronic system designed to integrate all government agencies involved in international trade, such as the Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, SON, NDLEA, Immigration, and other port operators—into a single digital interface. This will eliminate the need for importers and exporters to engage with multiple agencies individually, thereby cutting trade costs and reducing bureaucratic delays.
The Chief of Staff stressed the importance of staying on schedule, stating, “We must meet our Q1 2026 timeline. Since our last meeting in April, I expect all stakeholders have worked diligently to meet their KPIs and targets.”
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, while noting encouraging progress, urged the committee to shift from strategy to execution. “This project is complex but transformational. We need stronger collaboration to overcome the remaining obstacles and ensure delivery,” he said.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, echoed this sentiment, charging the team to meet the Phase 1 launch deadline “without fail.”
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, appreciated President Tinubu for backing the initiative. “Your support has now turned this project into law. The reward for hard work is more work, and we must stay focused,” he said.
Providing a technical update, NSW Project Director Tola Fakolade affirmed that the Q1 2026 target is realistic. “We’ve achieved all our second quarter milestones for 2025, and the customization of the platform is already underway,” he reported.
The NSW initiative, which launched in April 2024, is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s broader economic reform agenda, further reinforced by the recently signed Tax Reform Act. The platform aims to make trade operations more efficient, transparent, and globally competitive.
The NSW Steering Committee comprises representatives from key ministries and agencies including Finance, Trade and Investment, FIRS, and the Nigeria Customs Service, all working collaboratively to ensure timely execution.
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