National Single Window Project: MARCON Commends FG Initiative as Game Changer for Economic Rebirth
By Raheem Ibrahim
The Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) has commended the Federal Government for taking a bold step toward actualising the National Single Window (NSW) project after more than a decade and a half of contemplation, trials, and delays without a definite timeline for take-off.
In a joint statement, MARCON President, Ismail Aniemu, and Secretary, Olamide Osho, applauded the increasing number of stakeholders who have thrown their support behind the project, describing the NSW as a potential game changer for Nigeria’s economic renewal.
The association also urged stakeholders across the import, export, manufacturing, and logistics sectors to prepare for a technology-driven transformation that will enhance capacity, reinforce Nigeria’s status as Africa’s leading economic powerhouse, and strengthen its trade influence across the continent.
MARCON further commended the project directorate domiciled in the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for promoting an inclusive approach, facilitating robust stakeholder engagements, and sustaining public awareness about the NSW initiative.
According to the statement, “By consolidating documentation and automating approvals, MARCON believes the NSW will eliminate redundant paperwork and multiple agency interactions, significantly cutting cargo clearance times. This will, in turn, reduce demurrage charges and logistics bottlenecks, saving businesses billions of naira annually.”
The association explained that importers and exporters would avoid unnecessary costs associated with port delays, while small enterprises would enjoy easier access to global markets. It added that the initiative would foster a more efficient supply chain, directly boosting productivity in manufacturing, agriculture, and e-commerce.
Aniemu noted that the single-document submission system—accessible for security, regulatory, and revenue purposes—would eliminate the cumbersome bottlenecks caused by multiple agency submissions, describing it as a step in the right direction.
He said, “This process is indeed revolutionary, as it will usher Nigeria into a new era of paperless business transactions, promoting speed, transparency, and productivity while reducing trade disputes.”
Aniemu further expressed optimism that the accountability framework embedded in the NSW will enhance trade facilitation and ease of doing business nationwide. He called on all business operators to support the success of the project, which is expected to commence by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Other anticipated benefits of the project include streamlined documentation, cost savings, lower administrative burdens, enhanced government revenue and reduced leakages, increased transparency and anti-corruption measures, as well as improved investor confidence to attract foreign direct investments (FDI).
