In a bid to achieve optimisation of revenue generation and enhance ease of doing business in the country, President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, inaugurated a steering committee to drive an initiative called the National Single Window Project (NSWP).
Speaking while inaugurating the committee at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu said the initiative was targeted at eliminating all forms of impediments to trade in the country as well as improving Nigeriaโs rating in the World Bankโs Ease of Doing Business Index.
Describing the project, domiciled at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as another milestone for his administration, the President noted that the project would lead to the inflow of foreign direct investments into the country through the removal of trade barriers to import and export businesses.
The National Single Window is an electronic portal that links all agencies and players in import and export processes to an integrated platform.
Membership of the Presidential Steering Committee for the project was drawn from the Nigeria Customs, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and key private sector players such as exporters, importers, shipping lines, freight forwarders, banks, and clearing agents.
โOur import and export processes are bureaucratic which leads to long lead times in our ports. Such inefficiencies have adverse impacts on local businesses in the country and serve as potential impediments to foreign direct investments. To eliminate these challenges, today we are launching the National Single Window Project.
โThe National Single Window Project is intended to enhance revenue generation through imports and exports and accelerate economic activities in the country.
โThis project is a bold initiative to simplify and streamline our import and export clearance processes by eliminating bottlenecks and harnessing best-in-class technology. This will result in reduced costs of doing business and position us to attract more foreign investment.
“The National Single Window Project will consist of four key pillars, namely Single Window for Imports, Single Window for Exports, Port Community System and Scanning Services across our sea, air and land borders.
โThe Project is not merely a technological advancement but a strategic initiative to increase revenue generation by consolidating import and export related procedures into a unified electronic platform.
โThe platform will serve as a single portal for the submission and approval of all import and export related documents, as well as a centralized payment system. This platform will be integrated with the various systems in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) involved in the import and export processes.
โThe National Single Window Project is a top priority for this Administration, as a result I am directing all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies working on similar systems or information technology implementation projects to stop doing so in silos but align and consolidate such projects under the National Single Window Projectโs scope.
“Today, I am also inaugurating the National Single Window Project Steering Committee. The primary objectives of the Steering Committee are to provide support, oversight, strategic direction, and guidance to ensure the effective implementation of the project.
โYou are entrusted with the responsibility of aligning this project with this Governmentโs revenue enhancement objectives, setting the stage for a more efficient and responsive economy.
โI expect nothing short of excellence from this committee. You are the driving force behind the success of this crucial project, and your commitment and dedication will determine its outcome.
โOur collective effort will shape this project and play a key role in shaping the future of trade and commerce in Nigeria. I urge you to approach this task with a sense of purpose, unity, and a shared commitment for the betterment of our nation,โ Tinubu said.
Also speaking at the launch, chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, thanked President Tinubu for the project and approving FIRS and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) as the projectโs implementing agencies and financial managers.
Adedeji said the project aligned with Tinubuโs โcommitment to stimulating our economy through enhanced trade facilitation and a bold step towards realizing Nigeriaโs immense potential.”
โAs we strive towards achieving sustainable economic growth, we must embrace high-impact projects such as the National Single Window.
โBy simplifying the government trade compliance process through a cutting-edge digital platform, we will unlock a myriad of economic benefits.
“This initiative will serve as a catalyst for achieving an average GDP growth rate of 7% annually, propelling Nigeria to new heights of prosperity. The National Single Window is not just a technological advancement; it is the gateway to a more connected, efficient, and transparent system.
โBy linking our ports, government agencies, and key stakeholders, we will create a seamless ecosystem that facilitates trade, saves time for businesses, and opens up a world of opportunities.
โFrom providing access to education and healthcare to enabling small businesses to reach global markets, digital connectivity is the key to unlocking Nigeriaโs true potential.
โThe heavy costs, delays, and inefficiencies at our ports has been a constant burden. It is estimated that a staggering $4 billion USD annually is lost due to these inefficiencies.
โBy addressing revenue leakage prevention and facilitating effective trade, we will reclaim these lost resources and channel them towards the betterment of our society.
โSteering Committee โ National Single Window 2 Paperless trade alone is projected to bring an annual economic benefit of around $2.7 billion USD โ a testament to the transformative power of this initiative.
“The success stories of countries that have embraced Single Window systems are evident. Singapore, Korea, Kenya and Saudi Arabia have all witnessed significant improvements in trade efficiency after implementing similar initiatives.
โIt is now Nigeriaโs turn to join the ranks of these progressive nations and reap the rewards of a streamlined, digitized trade environment.
โThe National Single Window is not just about facilitating trade; it is also a powerful tool for expanding our tax base and capturing the informal e-Commerce sector. By providing a unified, modern digital platform for expeditious paperless cargo clearance and logistics, we will bring more businesses into the formal economy, ensuring that everyone contributes their fair share to our nationโs development.
“Moreover, by linking the Nigerian National Single Window with other African nations, we will expedite cargo movement and optimize intra-Africa trade. This will position Nigeria as a leader in regional trade facilitation, fostering stronger economic ties with our neighbors and creating new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
โThe current international trade environment is complex, involving disparate systems and requiring an average of 40 documents per transaction.
โNigeriaโs lack of a comprehensive trade facilitation system has led to bottlenecks, corruption, port delays, decreased revenue, and a negative business environment. The National Single Window is a decisive response to these challenges.
โBy improving trade facilitation, revenue generation, economic growth, transparency, security, and streamlined processes, we will transform Nigeria into a global trade powerhouse.
โData harmonization is a crucial component of this initiative, enabling us to capture, define, analyze, and reconcile regulatory trade documents efficiently.
โThrough the National Single Window, we will reduce clearance times, improve economic metrics, increase transparency, reduce trade costs, and boost revenue.
โThe implementation plan will be carefully crafted, with short-term, medium-term, and long-term phases to ensure a smooth and effective rollout.
โThe success of this project hinges on the unwavering commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders. It requires strong government participation and engagement from all partner agencies.
โTogether, we will work tirelessly to overcome any obstacles and ensure the seamless implementation of the National Single Window.
โWe are ushering in a new wave of economic prosperity, efficiency, and boundless opportunities. The National Single Window is not just a project; it is a symbol of our collective aspirations and our determination to build a better Nigeria”, Adedeji said.