TheCable

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the national single window (NSW) project to boost trade in Nigeria.

Speaking during the inauguration of the project and the steering committee members on Tuesday in Abuja, Tinubu spoke about the importance of collaboration to ensure the success of the initiative.

The NSW is an electronic portal linking all agencies and players in import and export processes to an integrated platform.

It is domiciled at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

According to Tinubu, the project is estimated to yield $2.7 billion per year for the country.

Tinubu said it is time for Nigeria to join countries such as Singapore, Korea, Kenya and Saudi Arabia, which have experienced significant improvement in trade efficiency upon adopting single window systems.

”The benefits of this initiative are immense. The paperless trade alone is estimated to bring an annual economic benefit of around $2.7 billion,” Tinubu said.

“Countries like Singapore, Korea, Kenya and Saudi Arabia have already seen significant improvement in trade efficiency after implementing single window systems.

“It is time for Nigeria to join their ranks and reap the reward of a streamlined, decentralized the trade process. We cannot afford to lose an estimated 4 billion in US dollars annually to red tape, bureaucracy, delays and corruption at our ports.

“The national single window will address these issues headlong, preventing revenue leakage and facilitating effective trade. By doing so, we will create a more transparent, secure and business-friendly environment that will attract investment and spur economic growth.”

Tinubu highlighted the project’s potential to improve regional integration and trade efficiency, making it a crucial step towards Nigeria’s economic advancement.

Acknowledging the nation’s abundant potential in resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial drive, Tinubu also highlighted the importance of eliminating longstanding barriers that hinder economic progress.

“This initiative is not just a policy. It is a bold statement of our commitment to progress, prosperity, and the well-being of every Nigerian,” he said.

“As your president, I have always believed in the immense potential of our great nation. We are blessed with resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit of enterprise.

“However, for far too long, our economic growth has been hindered by the complexities and inefficiencies in our trade processes. Today, we say that should be no more.

“The national single window is a game changer that will revolutionise the way we conduct trade.

“By simplifying government trade compliance through a digital platform, we will unlock the doors to economic prosperity and all other opportunities.

“This initiative will link our ports, government agencies and key stakeholders, creating a seamless and efficient system that will facilitate trade like never before.

“Imagine a Nigeria where business can save time and resources, where small enterprises can reach global markets and where the informal e-commerce sector is brought into the fold increasing our tax base. This is the Nigeria we are building with the national single window.”

Members of the national single window steering committee include representatives of the ministries of finance, marine and blue economy, transportation, industry, trade and investment, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

Others are the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Maritime Administration on Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

‘IMPLEMENTATION OF SINGLE WINDOW REQUIRES DEDICATION, COLLABORATION’

Tinubu said the implementation of the single window will require dedication, collaboration and a phased approach.

He said his administration will work tirelessly to ensure the success of the project by engaging all partner agencies and stakeholders to create a system that works for everyone.

“The national single window is not just about Nigeria. By linking our system with those of other African nations, we will expedite cargo movement and optimise inter-Africa trade,” he said.

“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to regional integration and our belief in the power of collaboration.

“My dear brothers and sisters, today marks the beginning of a new era. An era of unyielding commitment to prosperity, efficiency and endless possibilities.

“The national single window is not just a project; it is a symbol of our determination to build a better future for ourselves and generations to come. I call upon every one of you, all Nigerians to embrace this initiative with open arms.

“Let us work together as one nation to make the national single window a resounding success.

“Let us show the world that Nigeria is ready to take its rightful place as one of the leaders in global trade. Together we will build a Nigeria that is stronger, more prosperous and more united than ever before. The national single window is our gateway to that future. And I am honoured to lead us on this transformative journey, I assure you.

“Dismantle all block webs along your way. I will be ready to listen to conversations, your discoveries to any problem-solving areas that will make the Single Window a big success.

“You are building a legacy and a country that is yours, mine and future generations to benefit from.”

FG TARGETS 24-HOUR CLEARANCE AT PORTS

Speaking on the target for port clearance and reduction of paper documentation, Mohammed Bello-Koko, managing director of NPA, said the target processing time in Nigeria is 24 hours while neighbouring countries may have a range of 72 to 48 hours.

According to NPA MD, transitioning from filling out 20, 30, or 40 printed forms to digitally completing forms with two to four pages shows the direction the government is heading.

“For instance, consider a form requiring details about a product such as type, year of manufacture, and additional specifics like the MF number and form M number that Customs and the Nigerian Ports Authority require,” he said.

“Currently, multiple forms are being filled out, duplicating information needed by both parties. Our aim is to streamline this process so that minimal information is entered, benefiting all government agencies involved in import and export procedures.”

He said the goal of the initiative is to reduce paperwork and transition to digital submissions, adding that the efficiency gained will be evident in sectors such as shipping lines, freight forwarders, Nigeria customs, and the NPA.

Koko-Bello added that the streamlined approach will enable smoother processing of import and export requests, enhancing efficiency for all stakeholders involved.