The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up efforts to equip its officers with critical knowledge of the National Single Window (NSW) project, describing it as a key initiative to improve trade efficiency, transparency, and Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets.
This was highlighted on Monday, March 9, 2026, during a National Single Window awareness programme for principal officers of the Service held at the Customs Training College Ikeja in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Oluyomi Adebakin, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, said the National Single Window initiative directly responds to the needs of stakeholders and will strengthen Nigeria’s engagement in global trade.
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“I want to say that Single Window is responsive to the needs of the people, and this is all we need, not just as a nation, but for us to be able to communicate and relate with other nations and tell them that we are not just a giant of Africa, but a well-prepared and equipped giant of Africa,” she said.
Adebakin noted that the initiative will significantly enhance Nigeria’s readiness for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing that digital trade platforms are essential for the country to compete effectively within the continental market.
She described the programme as a strategic national priority and disclosed that the indigenous digital platform B’Odogwu is already operational and will work alongside the National Single Window to streamline trade processes.
“National Single Window is a tool that will prepare the nation for better positioning, placement and image in the Committee of Nations. I want to say that B’Odogwu is up and running to collaborate with NSW,” she added.
The Deputy Comptroller-General also urged officers of the Service to remain committed to the success of the initiative.
“I urge officers to put hands on deck to ensure the effective implementation of the National Single Window project,” she said.
Earlier in his remarks, Mohammed Babandede, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, said the awareness programme was organised to prepare officers for the operational changes that will accompany the implementation of the project.
“The objectives of the NSW are to save time, eliminate costs, and increase transparency and revenue for the government. NCS under the leadership of the CGC has already taken such initiative to make business easier and also to bring efficiency and effectiveness into our daily activities through the deployment of trade facilitation tools,” Babandede said.
He added that the National Single Window would work seamlessly with B’Odogwu and other trade platforms to strengthen the Service’s modernisation drive and improve overall service delivery.
