- Charges members to dismantle blockades to success of project
- targets 24hrs port clearance
- To cut paper work from 40 to four digital pages
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has launched the National Single Window project in Nigeria, a move aimed at improving trade efficiency and boosting economic growth. The initiative is expected to revolutionize the conduct of trade by streamlining government trade compliance through a digital platform.
The President described the project as a game changer, highlighting its potential to bring significant economic benefits.
According to Tinubu, the National Single Window project is estimated to generate $2.7 billion annually for the country, saying it is time for Nigeria to join countries like Singapore, Korea, Kenya and Saudi Arabia that have already seen significant improvement in trade efficiency after implementing Single Window Systems.
He said it is time for Nigeria to join their ranks and reap the reward of a streamlined, decentralized the trade process., saying, “We cannot afford to lose an estimated 4 billion in US dollars annually to red tape, bureaucracy, delays and corruption at our ports.”
At the inauguration of the project and the steering committee members at the council chambers of the Presidential villa, Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring the success of the initiative.
He highlighted the project’s potential to enhance regional integration and trade efficiency, making it a crucial step towards Nigeria’s economic development.
Members of the National Single Window steering committee are: Representatives of the Ministries of Finance, Marine and Blue Economy, Transportation, Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigeria sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organization of Nigeria, (SON), Nigerian Maritime Administration on Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
Tinubu declared the project a transformative initiative, emphasising its significance beyond mere policy, as a resolute pledge to Nigeria’s advancement and citizens’ welfare.
Recognizing the nation’s abundant potential in resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, he highlighted the need to eliminate longstanding barriers hindering economic progress.
According to him, “This initiative, is not just a policy. It is a bold statement of our commitment to progress, prosperity, and the well being of every Nigerian. As your President, I’ve always believed in the immense potential of our great nation. We are a people blessed with resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit of enterprise. However, for far too long, our economic growth has been hindered by the complexities and inefficiencies in our trade processes. Today, we say that should be no more.”
He added that: “The National Single Window is a game changer that will revolutionize the way we conduct trade. By simplifying government trade compliance through a digital platform, we will unlock the doors to economic prosperity and all other opportunities.
“This initiative will link our ports, government agencies and key stakeholders, creating a seamless and efficient system that will facilitate trade like never before. Imagine a Nigeria where business can save time and resources, where small enterprises can reach global markets and where the informal e-commerce sector is brought into the fold increasing our tax base. This is the Nigeria we are building with the National Single window.
“The benefits of this initiative are immense. The paperless trade alone is estimated to bring an annual economic benefit of around $2.7 billion. Countries like Singapore, Korea Kenya and Saudi Arabia have already seen significant improvement in trade efficiency after implementing Single Window Systems.
“It is time for Nigeria to join their ranks and reap the reward of a streamlined, decentralized the trade process. We cannot afford to lose an estimated 4 billion in US dollars annually to red tape, bureaucracy, delays and corruption at our ports.”
President Tinubu added that, “The National Single Window will address these issues headlong, preventing revenue leakage and facilitating effective trade. By doing so, we will create a more transparent, secure and business friendly environment that will attract investment and spur economic growth.
“The implementation of National Single Window will not be an overnight process, I know. It require dedication, collaboration and a phased approach. But I assure you my fellow brothers and sisters, that we are fully committed to seeing this project through.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure its success by engaging all partner agencies and stakeholders to create a system that works for every one of us.
“Moreover, the National Single Window is not just about Nigeria, by linking our system with those of other African nations, we will expedite cargo movement and optimize inter Africa trade. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to regional integration and our believe in the power of collaboration.
“My dear brothers and sisters, today marks the beginning of a new era. An era of unyielding commitment to prosperity, efficiency and endless possibilities.
“The National Single Window is not just a project, it is a symbol of our determination to build a better future for ourselves and generations to come. I call upon every one of you, all Nigerians to embrace this initiative with open arms.
“Let us work together as one nation to make the National Single Window a resounding success. Let us show the world that Nigeria is ready to take his rightful place as one of the leaders in global trade. Together we will build a Nigeria that is stronger, more prosperous and more united than ever before. The national single window is our gateway to that future. And I am honored to lead us on this transformative journey, I assure you.
“Dismantle all block webs along your way. I will be ready to listen to conversations, your discoveries, to any problem solving areas that will make the single window a big success. You are building a legacy and a country that is yours, mine and future generations to benefit from. You have this great opportunity it’s a bold endeavour that will etch your names in gold.“
The chairman of the implementation committee and Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, Zacch Adedeji said the President has approved new structure for the implementation of the National Single Window Project and has given the directive that the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, serve as the project implementing agencies and financial managers respectively.
He said “This initiative will serve as a catalyst for achieving an average GDP growth rate of 7% annually, propelling in Nigeria to new height of prosperity.”
Adedeji added that “The heavy cost, delay and inefficiency at our port has been constant burden. It is estimated that a staggering 4 billion USD annually is lost due to this inefficiency. By addressing revenue leakage prevention and facilitating effective trade, we will reclaim these lost resources and channel them towards the betterment of our society.”
According to him, “The current international trade environment is complex involving disparate system and requiring an average of 40 documents per transaction. Nigeria’s lack of a comprehensive trade facilitation system has led to bottlenecks, corruption, poor delay, decreased revenue and negative business environment.
“The National Single Window is a decisive response to these challenges. By improving trade facilitation, revenue generation economic growth, transparency, security and streamline process, we will transform Nigeria into a global trade powerhouse.
“Data harmonization is crucial component of this initiative, enabling us to capture, define, analyze, and reconcile regulatory trade document efficiently. Through the National Single Window, we will reduce clearance, times improve economic metrics, increase transparency, reduce trade costs and boost revenue.”
He assured that the implementation plan will be carefully crafted with short term, medium term and long term phases to ensure a smooth and effective rollout. The success of this project hinges on unwavering commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders. It requires strong government participation and engagement from all partner agencies. Together, we will work tirelessly to overcome any obstacles and ensure the seamless implementation of national single window.
“We 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 aspiration. And our determination to build a better Nigeria. It is a testament to our resilience, our ingenuity and our unwavering belief in the potential of our great nation.”
Adedeji assurer President Tinubu, that all members of the committee will rise to the challenge and work together to ensure the project succeeds for the collective benefits of Nigeria.
“Thank you, Your Excellency for the confidence you have in us and for providing us the opportunity to contribute towards a better Nigeria that works for us.
“As we embark on this transformative journey, I call upon each and every one of us to embrace this initiative with open arms.
“Together, let’s unite in resolve to create a more prosperous, connected and transparent Nigeria. Let us seize this opportunity to build a legacy.”
The Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, in response to a question on targets on port clearance as well as reduction of paper documentation said, the target processing time is 24 hours.
He noted that while neighbouring countries may have a range of 72 to 48 hours, Nigeria’s specific goal is 24 hours. He added that when it comes to the number of forms, transitioning from filling out 20, 30, or 40 printed forms to digitally completing forms with 2, 3, or 4 pages shows the direction the government is heading.
“For instance, consider a form requiring details about a product such as type, year of manufacture, and additional specifics like the MF number and form M number that Customs and the Nigerian Ports Authority require. Currently, multiple forms are being filled out, duplicating information needed by both parties. Our aim is to streamline this process so that minimal information is entered, benefiting all government agencies involved in import and export procedures.”
Koko-Bello said this initiative aims to reduce paperwork and shift towards digital submissions. He added that the efficiency gained will be noticeable across various sectors like shipping lines, freight forwarders, Nigerian Customs, and the NPA. This streamlined approach, he said will enable smoother processing of import and export requests, enhancing efficiency for all stakeholders involved.