By Cross Udo, Abuja
In his determined efforts to improve trade efficiency and boost economic growth, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday launched the Single Window Project, a digital platform that simplifies government trade compliance.
The initiative is expected to revolutionize the conduct of trade by streamlining government trade compliance through a digital platform.
Launching the Single Window Project at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu said that it will create a seamless and efficient system that will facilitate trade like never before.
The President, who described the national window as the nation’s gateway to the future, affirmed that it will prevent revenue leakage and facilitate effective trade by creating a more transparent, secure, and business-friendly environment that will attract investment and spur economic growth.
Tinubu said that the National Single Window project is estimated to generate $2.7 billion annually for the country, adding that it is time for Nigeria to join countries like Singapore, Korea, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia that have already seen significant improvement in trade efficiency after implementing Single Window Systems.
The President also said that the time was ripe for Nigeria to join their ranks and reap the reward of a streamlined, decentralized trade process, saying, “We cannot afford to lose an estimated 4 billion in US dollars annually to red tape, bureaucracy, delays and corruption at our ports.”
He highlighted the project’s potential to enhance regional integration and trade efficiency, making it a crucial step towards Nigeria’s economic development.
He also described the project as a transformative initiative, emphasising its significance beyond mere policy, as a resolute pledge to Nigeria’s advancement and citizens’ welfare
Recognizing the nation’s abundant potential in resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, he highlighted the need to eliminate longstanding barriers hindering economic progress.
He said, “It is with great excitement that I stand before you to inaugurate the transformative project that will propel our nation’s economy to new heights. 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.
“As your president, I’ve always believed in the immense potential of our great nation. We are a people blessed with resilience, creativity, and an unwavering spirit of enterprise.
“However, for far too long, our economic growth has been aided 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 revolutionize 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 is not just a policy. It is a bold statement of our commitment to progress, prosperity, and the well-being of every Nigerian. As your President, I’ve always believed in the immense potential of our great nation.
“We are a people blessed with resilience, creativity, and an 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.”
He further added, “The National Single Window is a game changer that will revolutionize 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 businesses 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.
“The benefits of this initiative are immense. The paperless trade alone is estimated to bring an annual economic benefit of around $2.7bn. 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 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.”
Tinubu added, “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.
“The implementation of National Single Window will not be an overnight process, I know. It requires dedication, collaboration, and a phased approach. But I assure you, my fellow brothers and sisters, that we are fully committed to seeing this project through.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure its success by engaging all partner agencies and stakeholders to create a system that works for every one of us.
“Moreover, 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 optimize inter-African trade. 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 honored 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. You have this great opportunity, it’s a bold endeavour that will etch your names in gold.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the implementation committee and Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, Zacch Adedeji said that the President has approved a new structure for the implementation of the National Single Window Project and has given the directive that the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, serve as the project implementing agencies and financial managers respectively.
He said “This initiative will catalyze achieving an average GDP growth rate of 7 per cent annually, propelling Nigeria to a new height of prosperity.
“The heavy cost, delay, and inefficiency at our ports have been a constant burden. It is estimated that a staggering 4 billion USD annually is lost due to this inefficiency. By addressing revenue leakage preventing and facilitating effective trade, we will reclaim these lost resources and channel them towards the betterment of our society.”
According to him, “The current international trade environment is complex involving disparate systems and requiring an average of 40 documents per transaction. Nigeria’s lack of a comprehensive trade facilitation system has led to bottlenecks, corruption, poor delay, decreased revenue, and a negative business environment.
“The National Single Window is a decisive response to these challenges. By improving trade facilitation, revenue generation economic growth, transparency, security, and streamlined process, we will transform Nigeria into a global trade powerhouse.
“Data harmonization is a crucial component of this initiative, enabling us to capture, define, analyze, and reconcile regulatory trade documents efficiently. Through the National Single Window, we will reduce clearance, times improve economic metrics, increase transparency, reduce trade costs, and boost revenue.”
He assured that the implementation plan will be carefully crafted with short-, medium–, and long-term phases to ensure a smooth and effective rollout.
He said, “The success of this project hinges on unwavering commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders. It requires strong government participation and engagement from all partner agencies. Together, we will work tirelessly to overcome any obstacles and ensure the seamless implementation of a national single window.
“We are ushering in a new wave of economic prosperity, efficiency, and boundless opportunities. The national single window is not just a project, it is a symbol of our collective aspiration and our determination to build a better Nigeria. It is a testament to our resilience, our ingenuity, and our unwavering belief in the potential of our great nation.”
Adedeji assured President Tinubu, that all members of the committee will rise to the challenge and work together to ensure the project succeeds for the collective benefits of Nigeria.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, for the confidence you have in us and for providing us the opportunity to contribute towards a better Nigeria that works for us. As we embark on this transformative journey, I call upon every one of us to embrace this initiative with open arms.
“Together, let’s unite in resolve to create a more prosperous, connected, and transparent Nigeria. Let us seize this opportunity to build a legacy.”
The Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, in response to a question on targets, port clearance as well as reduction of paper documentation said the target processing time is 24 hours.
He noted that while neighbouring countries may have a range of 72 to 48 hours, Nigeria’s specific goal is 24 hours, adding that when it comes to the number of forms, transitioning from filling out 20, 30, or 40 printed forms to digitally completing forms with two, three or 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.
“Currently, multiple forms are being filled out, duplicating information needed by both parties. We aim to streamline this process so that minimal information is entered, benefiting all government agencies involved in import and export procedures.”
Koko-Bello said this initiative aims at reducing paperwork and shifting towards digital submissions.
He added that the efficiency gained will be noticeable across various sectors like shipping lines, freight forwarders, Nigerian Customs, and the NPA. This streamlined approach, he said will enable smoother processing of import and export requests, enhancing efficiency for all stakeholders involved.
Members of the National Single Window steering committee are Representatives of the Ministries of Finance, Marine and Blue Economy, Transportation, Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Others are the 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).
