FG Targets November To Complete National Single Window Project

The Federal Government has announced plans to complete the second phase of the National Single Window project by November 2026, in a major push to modernise Nigeria’s trade system and make exports easier for businesses.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed the timeline during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where government agencies reviewed progress on expanding the digital platform.

She explained that the next phase would focus on removing long-standing bottlenecks faced by exporters, including repeated paperwork, multiple inspections, delays and poor coordination among regulatory agencies.

According to the minister, the goal is to create a system where businesses can access government trade services through a single platform rather than navigating several disconnected processes.

Since becoming operational earlier this year, the National Single Window has recorded significant activity, processing more than 124,000 licences and permits, onboarding thousands of traders and agents, and facilitating billions of naira in regulatory payments.

Oduwole said the success of the initiative would not be measured by the number of agencies connected to the platform, but by the experience of Nigerian businesses — particularly how quickly they can obtain approvals and move goods into international markets.

She added that previous consultations with exporters revealed major concerns around duplicated requirements, inconsistent regulations and unnecessary administrative burdens, issues the reform aims to resolve.

The second phase will bring together export-related permits, certifications, inspections, payments and approvals into a more coordinated digital framework.

The minister said government agencies would maintain their regulatory responsibilities, but businesses should no longer bear the burden of navigating complex internal procedures.

Officials at the meeting noted that adoption of the platform is expanding, with several key agencies and cargo operators already integrated into the system.