President Bola Tinubu has set a first-quarter 2026 deadline for the full operational take-off of the National Single Window (NSW) platform, an ambitious digital trade initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s import and export processes.
Speaking on behalf of the President during the fifth meeting of the NSW Steering Committee on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila emphasised the administration’s commitment to the timely implementation of the platform.
He noted that recent tax reforms signed into law in June underscored the urgency of fast-tracking reforms needed to realise Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target.
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“It’s important that we continue to stay focused on this project so that we meet our timelines and achieve the results the President expects,” Gbajabiamila said.
He stressed NSW’s potential to simplify trade operations, boost investment, enhance transparency, and improve NSW’s credibility on the global business stage.
He urged all participating agencies to refine their targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure that Phase 1 of the project goes live as scheduled.
Also, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described progress so far as encouraging but warned against complacency.
He called for a transition from planning to execution, saying the NSW was a complex but transformational initiative that demanded urgency and collaboration.
Furthermore, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole urged committee members to work diligently to meet the Q1 2026 deadline.
Dr Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), thanked Tinubu for his unwavering support and noted the project’s legal backing following the enactment of relevant laws.
“The reward for hard work is more work,” Adedeji said, reminding members to remain focused on the mission ahead.
NSW Project Director Tola Fakolade reported that all key project milestones for the second quarter of 2025 had been successfully achieved, including the commencement of platform customisation.
He expressed confidence that the committee would meet the rollout deadline.
Launched in April 2024, the NSW is a Federal Government initiative to digitise and streamline trade processes through a centralised electronic platform.
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It aims to consolidate all agencies involved in imports and exports, reduce trade costs, cut port delays, and improve efficiency and transparency in cross-border transactions.
The steering committee comprises representatives from the Ministries of Trade and Investment, Finance, FIRS, and the Nigeria Customs Service.
