The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, officially inaugurated the National Single Window (NSW) Project Kickoff Workshop on Tuesday morning in Abuja. This workshop marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to streamline trade facilitation and enhance economic growth.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Edun highlighted the transformative potential of the NSW initiative, which aims to simplify trade and customs procedures across the country. He stressed that this project is central to the federal government’s strategy to reduce trade-related bottlenecks, improve transparency, and create a more efficient trade environment, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.
The implementation and financial management of the NSW project have been entrusted to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), led by its Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). The project Secretariat will be based within the FIRS, providing a central hub for coordination and oversight.
The workshop has brought together key stakeholders from various government agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Their collaboration is deemed essential for the successful rollout of the NSW, a critical component of President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic reforms.
The three-day workshop will conclude on Thursday, with participants expected to develop a detailed action plan outlining the next steps and timelines for the full implementation of the NSW project. This initiative is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s trade efficiency, making it easier for businesses to operate within the country and attract more foreign investment.