National Single Window To Streamline Trade, Not Collect Revenue — Fakolade

The Director of the Nigeria National Single Window (NSW), Tola Fakolade, on Monday assured stakeholders that the platform will not encroach on the statutory revenue-collection functions of agencies operating in the nation’s maritime sector.

Fakolade gave the clarification during a sensitisation programme for officers of the Nigeria Customs Service in Lagos, held ahead of the Phase One launch of the platform scheduled for March 27, 2026.

Addressing concerns and misconceptions surrounding the initiative, he explained that the National Single Window is designed strictly to facilitate trade and streamline processes among government agencies involved in import and export operations.

“The National Single Window is not taking over revenue collection from agencies. What it will do is facilitate ease of trade by integrating processes and improving transparency across all participating agencies,” Fakolade said.

He further stressed that the initiative is not a tax collection mechanism for the Nigeria Revenue Service but a presidential project aimed at modernising Nigeria’s trade infrastructure.

“The National Single Window is a presidential initiative with a steering committee comprising all relevant government agencies, each duly represented and led by the Presidency.

Although the project is funded by the Nigeria Revenue Service, its objective is not to compete with any agency but to strengthen collaboration and efficiency,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Oluyomi Adebakin, underscored the strategic importance of the platform to Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.

Adebakin noted that the National Single Window would significantly enhance operational efficiency within Customs while boosting Nigeria’s reputation in international trade.

According to her, digitising and harmonising trade-related procedures will help position Nigeria more favourably in the global trading environment.

“The National Single Window will improve Nigeria’s image in the committee of nations as it relates to trade. It will simplify procedures, reduce delays, and strengthen transparency within the system,” she said.

Participants at the sensitisation workshop were taken through detailed presentations on the operational framework, benefits, and collaborative structure of the platform. The engagement also provided officers with an opportunity to seek clarification on how the initiative would interact with existing systems across agencies.

The sensitisation exercise is part of ongoing efforts by the National Single Window Secretariat to ensure that all government agencies involved in trade operations are fully aligned with the project’s objectives ahead of its full implementation.

Once operational, the National Single Window is expected to integrate multiple government agencies onto a unified digital platform, allowing traders to submit documentation and complete regulatory procedures through a single interface.

The initiative is widely regarded as a key step toward reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving efficiency, and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a competitive trading hub in Africa.