National Single Window secretariat moves to secure Customs buy-in ahead of launch

Authorities in charge of the National Single Window have begun engaging senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service ahead of the planned launch later this month, as authorities seek the agency’s buy-in for the trade platform.

A sensitisation session at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos, brought together top Customs officials to clarify how the platform will operate and address concerns about its impact on existing agency functions before the first phase goes live on March 27.

Officials behind the project stressed that the National Single Window is designed to facilitate trade by integrating processes across government agencies involved in import and export operations, rather than altering the statutory roles of those institutions.

Tola Fakolade, director of the National Single Window secretariat, said the platform would not interfere with the revenue functions of participating agencies.

“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 all participating agencies,” Fakolade said during the engagement.

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

The National Single Window is expected to integrate multiple government agencies onto a single digital platform, allowing traders to submit documentation and complete regulatory requirements through one interface.

The Nigeria Customs Service, which oversees cargo clearance and border trade procedures, is expected to play a central role once the platform becomes operational for import documentation. The Service’s B’Odogwu online system integration is top concern for stakeholders.

O.A. Adebakin, deputy comptroller of ICT and modernisation jointly assured officers of improved efficiency. “ It will simplify processes, reduce delays, and strengthen transparency within the system,” she said.

Bethel Olujobi

Bethel Olujobi reports on trade and maritime business for BusinessDay with prior experience reporting on migration, labour, and tech. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from the University of Jos, and is certified by the FT, Reuters and Google. Drawing from his experience working with other respected news providers, he presents a nuanced and informed perspective on the complexities of critical matters. He is based in Lagos, Nigeria and occasionally commutes to Abuja.