President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the National Single Window Project, projecting a potential annual savings of $4 billion for the nation.
The initiative, unveiled at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja, seeks to streamline trade operations by providing a centralized digital platform accessible to both domestic and international trade stakeholders.
President Tinubu stated the economic significance of the project, highlighting its potential to curtail losses incurred due to bureaucratic hurdles and corruption in trade operations.
By implementing a Single Window system, Nigeria aims to optimize efficiency, expedite cargo movement, and enhance inter-African trade, potentially unlocking an annual economic benefit of $2.7 billion through paperless transactions.
President Tinubu stressed the need of shedding the complexities hindering Nigeria’s economic growth, asserting the country’s readiness to embrace streamlined, decentralized trade processes.
He stated the project’s role in fostering transparency, security, and a conducive business environment to attract investments and propel economic development.
The President acknowledged the challenges ahead, recognizing the need for dedication, collaboration, and a phased approach in implementing the National Single Window Project. He assured stakeholders of full support and urged them to dismantle obstacles obstructing trade efficiency.
The initiative received widespread endorsement from key stakeholders, including the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Bello Koko, who affirmed the commitment to clearing imports within 24 hours—a significant reduction compared to neighboring countries’ processing times.
Koko outlined the project’s focus on unifying shipment information across government agencies, aiming to minimize paperwork and enhance operational efficiency.