The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to implement the National Single Window (NSW) system to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve trade facilitation at Nigerian ports.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, stated that the NSW initiative will streamline port operations, boost transparency, and minimize delays, making Nigeria’s maritime sector more competitive.
According to a statement from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Tuesday, the system will drive cost savings, improve operational efficiency, and enhance transparency, ultimately contributing to the overall ease of doing business.
Oyetola also highlighted the government’s focus on multimodal connectivity, which will reduce transportation costs and enhance trade activities.
“The executive decision to implement the National Single Window system alongside the Port Community System, led by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy through the NPA, marks a pivotal step towards modernising trade processes and maximising the utilisation of our marine resources,” the minister stated.
Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abu Dantsoho, explained that the NSW will interconnect all stakeholders involved in foreign trade, allowing them to conduct trade procedures on a unified digital platform.
The system will provide a comprehensive online environment for various users, including importers, exporters, commercial banks, carriers, customs, ministries, and other government agencies, enabling seamless trade operations.
Dantsoho further noted that the NSW aligns with global best practices in trade facilitation, ensuring efficient electronic exchange of information related to over 500 million TEU movements and billions of tonnes of cargo across sea, air, and land transport.
“This concrete move by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, to implement the NSW in Nigeria is pivotal to deepening the competitiveness of our ports and positioning Nigeria to reap greater benefits from global trade,” he said.
The implementation of the National Single Window is expected to transform Nigeria’s port system, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and foster a more business-friendly trade environment.
