NAQS Backs Single Window Project To Boost Trade, Economic Growth

The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has pledged  support for the National Single Window (NSW) Project, an initiative aimed at streamlining port clearing processes to drive economic growth, enhance trade facilitation, and improve national security at Nigeria’s borders.

The Comptroller-general of NAQS, Dr Vincent Isegbe, made this commitment during a meeting with the Project Management Office of the NSW at NAQS headquarters in Abuja.

The NSW Project aims to increase federal revenue, promote foreign investment, and automate trade processes for improved efficiency.

During the visit, Tola Fakolade, Head of the Project Secretariat for the NSW, and Pius  Anyiador, who co-led the project, highlighted NAQS’s pivotal role in the success of the initiative.

They emphasised that the NSW will bring significant economic benefits, including higher trade volumes and streamlined customs processes.

Dr. Isegbe expressed NAQS’s readiness to cooperate fully with the NSW project, calling on all relevant agencies to align with government efforts to enhance ease of doing business in Nigeria. He underscored the importance of defining and respecting the roles of all agencies involved in trade facilitation.

Additionally,  Isegbe outlined NAQS’s recent initiatives, including the Export Certification Value Chain (ECVC) for 30 agricultural commodities, aimed at easing export processes and boosting foreign exchange earnings.

He noted that NAQS has implemented electronic certification processes, further cementing its top ranking in the 90-Day RRA PEBEC ranking of government agencies.

Dr Isegbe lauded President Bola  Tinubu for inaugurating the NSW project, and affirmed that it will enhance NAQS’s role in trade facilitation.

He also highlighted the automation of NAQS’s phytosanitary certification process through the ePhyto system, to allow exporters to apply for certificates globally and ensure transparency in export procedures.

NAQS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the NSW initiative and urged Nigerians to explore the opportunities presented by the ECVC for participation in agricultural exports.