National Single Window Secretariat

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The National Single Window (NSW) project is a centralised trade platform for importers and exporters that streamlines international trade processes by bringing together information and procedures from various government agencies and stakeholders in the trading community involved in import and export process. 

The National Single Window Project aims to streamline and simplify international trade procedures in Nigeria. Its key objectives are to build a unified digital platform that:

  • Provides a single-entry point for submitting standardised documents for all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements.
  • Enables authorities and agencies to coordinate inspections and approvals seamlessly.
  • Allows service providers to make secure electronic payments for statutory obligations.
  • Eliminates streamline processes, duplicate document submissions, and reduce approval lead times.
  • Automates processes, thereby enhancing government revenue by minimising opportunities for revenue leakages.

The implementation of the NSW platform in Nigeria is expected to meet several nation-building objectives that range from simplifying trade processes to boosting economic growth. Some of the overarching benefits include:

  • Simplified Trade Processes: The NSW streamlines trade compliance by providing a unified digital platform, reducing bottlenecks and delays in import and export procedures.
  • Improved Transparency: The platform enhances transparency by enabling real-time tracking and management of cargo clearance and logistics, fostering trust and accountability.
  • Efficient Coordination: NSW facilitates better collaboration among government agencies, reducing redundancies and ensuring smoother inspections and approvals.
  • Reduced Approval Times: By automating processes and minimising manual interventions, the platform significantly shortens the lead time for approvals.
  • Cost Savings: Businesses benefit from reduced administrative burdens, fewer duplicate submissions, and streamlined payment processes, leading to overall cost efficiency.
  • Enhanced Revenue Generation: By preventing revenue leakages, simplifying clearing processes, and improving compliance, the NSW increases government revenue, attracts foreign direct investments, and boosts economic growth.

The implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) is crucial for addressing longstanding inefficiencies in Nigeria’s trade and transport-related procedures. Current import and export processes are reportedly cumbersome, lack transparency, and pose significant challenges to stakeholders, including businesses and government agencies.

These inefficiencies contribute to revenue leakages, hinder trade competitiveness, and negatively impact Nigeria’s ranking in ease of doing business.

By transitioning to an electronic-based Single Window platform, Nigeria can modernise its trade environment, aligning with global standards and trends. Now is the perfect time for Nigeria to adopt this strategy and join other nations leveraging Single Window systems to drive economic growth and facilitate international trade.

The implementation of the National Single Window System will bring about significant changes in the way international trade is conducted in Nigeria. Here are some of the key changes to expect:

Streamlined Processes: Businesses will experience a simplified and more efficient trade process. Instead of dealing with multiple agencies and submitting documents separately, they can interact with a single platform for all trade-related procedures.

Increased Revenue Collection: The National Single Window will help improve revenue collection by streamlining trade procedures and reducing opportunities for fraud and corruption.

Automation of all manual processes: Manual, paper-based procedures will be replaced with automated systems to digitise the entire importation workflow.

Ease of Doing Business: Electronic filing and automation streamline, freeing up resources within government agencies and improving overall efficiency and enhancing ease of doing business.

Improve Transparency: Create a more transparent and secure trade environment, which could enhance trust and confidence among trade actors and investors. Real-time tracking provides greater visibility into the status of shipments.

Data Harmonisation: Harmonised data based on standardised data formats that ensures consistency and accuracy across different systems and elimination of duplicate documentations.

Single-entry point: Businesses can submit their documents and information once, and the platform will automatically route them to the relevant agencies for processing.

The National Single Window is designed to streamline and automate efficient import, export, and transit trade processes in Nigeria. The project will be implemented in phases, with focus on achieving quick wins in the initial stages. Phase 1 is scheduled for completion by Q1 2026, with Phase 2 targeted for completion by Q1 2028.

The key stakeholders impacted by this project include a broad range of entities across both the public and private sectors. Government agencies such as NCS, CBN, NPA, FAAN, SON, NAFDAC, and others who play a pivotal role in trade facilitation are directly impacted. Private sector stakeholders, including Custom Brokers, Authorised Dealer Banks, freight forwarders, logistics companies, and import/export businesses, are also significantly impacted.

Private sector stakeholders, including Authorised Dealer Banks, freight forwarders, and import/export businesses, play a crucial role in implementing the National Single Window.

They actively participate in interviews and knowledge-sharing sessions to provide critical insights into existing trade processes. Their collaboration helps streamline operations, enhance trade compliance, and achieve seamless integration between public and private sector systems.