By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up efforts to deepen awareness and capacity among its officers on the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) initiative, describing it as a critical tool for improving trade efficiency, transparency, and Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets.
The move was highlighted during a National Single Window awareness programme for principal officers of the Service held on March 9, 2026 at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said the National Single Window initiative was designed to respond to stakeholders’ needs and strengthen Nigeria’s participation in international trade.
According to her, the digital platform will enhance trade facilitation and enable Nigeria to effectively engage with global partners.
“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 explained that the initiative would also strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing that digital trade systems remain vital for the country to compete effectively in the continental market.
She described the project as a strategic national priority and revealed that the indigenous digital platform, B’Odogwu Trade Platform, is already operational and will work in collaboration with 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.
Adebakin further urged officers of the Service to remain committed to the successful implementation of the initiative, noting that collective effort is required to ensure its effectiveness.
Earlier in his remarks, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’ of the Service, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Mohammed Babandede, said the awareness programme was organised to prepare officers for operational changes that would accompany the rollout of the project.
Babandede noted that the National Single Window aims to save time, reduce operational costs, and improve transparency while increasing government revenue through more efficient trade processes.
He added that the Customs Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, has continued to deploy modern trade facilitation tools to enhance efficiency and ease of doing business.
Babandede further reiterated that the National Single Window will integrate seamlessly with the B’Odogwu platform and other digital trade systems as part of the Service’s broader modernisation drive aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and improving service delivery.
