By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is ramping up collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Single Window (NSW) Secretariat to accelerate the Federal Government’s trade facilitation reforms.
On 12 August 2025, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), hosted FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, and NSW Project Director, Tola Fakolade, at the NCS headquarters in Abuja for a high-level review of the Nigerian National Single Window Project.
The meeting assessed progress on the initiative and set out final steps for its planned operational take-off in the first quarter of 2026.
Describing the project as “transformational,” Adeniyi said the Single Window would overhaul Nigeria’s trade processes by fostering seamless inter-agency cooperation.
“This project is not just about technology; it is about building a modern trade ecosystem where government agencies work as one to serve the trading community with efficiency, transparency, and speed,” he stated.
Launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024, the platform will digitally integrate all trade-related government agencies, aiming to cut bureaucratic delays, speed up cargo clearance, reduce costs, and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.
Dr. Adedeji reiterated FIRS’ full commitment, saying the system would enhance compliance, improve revenue generation, and promote ease of doing business. Fakolade urged all agencies to meet their integration deadlines to ensure the Q1 2026 rollout remains on schedule.
The session ended with a joint pledge from the NCS, FIRS, and NSW Secretariat to accelerate technical integration, maintain open communication, and engage stakeholders consistently. Once operational, the platform is expected to boost revenue, create jobs, strengthen compliance, and deliver tangible benefits for businesses and consumers alike.
