By AISHA COLE

Ahead of the first phase launch of the National Single Window (NSW) on March 27, the Secretariat has begun sensitising Nigeria Customs Service officers in Lagos.

The Director of the National Single Window project, Tola Fakolade, disclosed this on Monday during a sensitisation session for Customs officers.

He clarified misconceptions surrounding the initiative and explained that the platform was designed to facilitate trade and streamline processes among government agencies involved in imports and exports.

According to him, the platform will not encroach on the statutory revenue functions of any agency.

“The National Single Window is not taking any revenue from agencies.

“What it will do is facilitate ease of trade by integrating processes and improving transparency across participating agencies,” Fakolade said.

He added that the initiative was not a tax collection tool for the Nigeria Revenue Service.

Fakolade explained that the National Single Window was a presidential project aimed at modernising Nigeria’s trade infrastructure.

“The National Single Window is a presidential initiative with a steering committee comprising relevant agencies, each represented and led by the Presidency.

“Though funded by the Nigeria Revenue Service, the goal is not to compete with any agency but to improve collaboration and efficiency,” he said.

Also speaking, Deputy Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Oluyomi Adebakin, highlighted the platform’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.

Adebakin said the National Single Window would enhance operational efficiency within Customs while improving Nigeria’s standing in international trade.

She explained that digitising and harmonising trade procedures would position Nigeria more favourably within the global trading environment.

“The National Single Window will improve Nigeria’s image in the committee of nations as it relates to trade.

“It will simplify processes, reduce delays and strengthen transparency within the system,” Adebakin said.

She added that the engagement allowed officers to ask questions and gain clarity on how the initiative would interact with existing systems.

According to Adebakin, the sensitisation forms part of efforts to ensure all government trade agencies align with the project before full implementation.

“When operational, the National Single Window will integrate multiple government agencies on a unified digital platform.

“Traders will submit documents and complete regulatory requirements through a single interface,” she said.

According to her, the initiative is widely regarded as critical to reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and improving efficiency in Nigeria’s trade environment.

The programme gained further momentum as key Nigeria Customs Service stakeholders gathered for a sensitisation session at the Customs Training College, Ikeja.

The engagement brought together senior officers and operational personnel to deepen understanding of the initiative and its role in transforming Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.

Participants were also taken through presentations outlining the platform’s operational framework, benefits and collaborative structure. (NAN)

•PHOTO: The Director of the National Single Window project, Tola Fakolade, third left, and customs controllers during the sensitisation session for Customs officers in Lagos on Monday

Update news