Nigeria is advancing a major trade reform through the National Single Window (NSW) project, scheduled for full launch in Q1 2026.
Announced by Finance and Economy Minister Wale Edun, the initiative seeks to unify customs, port, and regulatory processes under one digital platform, transforming the country’s trade environment. Originally introduced in April 2024, the NSW will enable seamless interaction between traders, customs, and multiple government agencies through a single electronic portal.
The platform will integrate key institutions such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), among others. Expected benefits include faster cargo clearance, reduced costs, improved transparency, stronger revenue compliance, and enhanced global trade competitiveness. Currently, the project is in its testing and stakeholder engagement phase, with training, multi-agency integration, and public-private consultations underway to ensure readiness ahead of rollout.
Key Takeaways/Potential Benefits to African Trade: Nigeria’s National Single Window (NSW) has the potential to strengthen African trade by reducing clearance times, lowering costs, and improving transparency, making it a model for AfCFTA implementation. The system can boost investor confidence, increase revenue collection without new taxes, and stimulate job creation across manufacturing, logistics, and SMEs. By promoting digital trade integration and supply chain efficiency, it could enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness while encouraging other African nations to adopt similar platforms, ultimately fostering stronger intra-African trade and economic growth.