The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) have reiterated their commitment to fully implement the National Single Window (NSW) project by the first quarter of 2026.
Launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024, the NSW aims to simplify trade processes, enhance transparency, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global commerce. The Presidency has set an operational take-off deadline for early 2026, with all relevant agencies expected to complete system integration before the launch.
Speaking at a meeting held at the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja on Tuesday, Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration.
“It is my pleasure to welcome the Chairman and members of his team. We are here to exchange ideas and have open discussions that will help our preparations for the National Single Window. This project is important to Mr President.
“Since the beginning of this administration, it has been listed among the key policies to create an environment that facilitates trade and makes the Nigerian economy more competitive,”* Adeniyi said.
FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, also pledged the agency’s full cooperation, stressing the urgency of meeting the set deadline.
“We are at the stage where we all need what is required for what is to be done, and the help that is required to get the job done right. Mr President has given us till the first quarter of 2026.
“I am here to support the CG and the Nigerian Customs Service to achieve the launching of the National Single Window and to seek further collaboration ahead of the first phase in March 2026,”* Adedeji stated.
Director of the National Single Window Project, Mr Tola Fakolade, outlined the progress made so far.
“The project has moved into the critical development and integration phase after a year of assessments and requirement analyses.
“The Single Window serves as the central hub, linking all participating agencies, including Customs, into one unified platform. Achieving seamless integration at this stage is essential for meeting the Q1 2026 operational target,” he explained.
The meeting reinforced a shared vision for a streamlined, transparent trade environment. Once operational, the NSW is expected to accelerate cargo clearances, reduce costs, cut bureaucracy, and improve compliance—boosting government revenue and supporting national development.
By cutting supply chain delays, the system is also projected to lower consumer prices, expand access to goods, and enhance Nigeria’s position in global trade, creating new investment opportunities and jobs across multiple sectors.
