Single window portal records over 39,000 trade applications

The National Single Window (NSW) portal in Nigeria is making significant strides in streamlining trade processes, as reported by The Punch. Within just eight weeks of its phase one deployment, the portal has successfully processed an impressive 39,039 applications for licenses, certificates, permits, and other crucial trade documents. This rapid adoption rate underscores the growing trust and reliance that Nigerian businesses and regulatory bodies are placing on this digital platform.

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Over the last eight weeks since go-live, approximately 39,039 LPCO applications have been submitted through the platform since the go-live date. This indicates growing reliance on the NSW for the submission and processing of trade-related licences, permits, certificates, and other documents.

The figures released by Tola Fakolade, Director of the NSW Secretariat, highlight the active participation of key government agencies. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) leads the pack with 30,937 applications, followed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) with 7,942. This demonstrates the NSW's crucial role in facilitating regulatory compliance for a wide range of goods and services entering or leaving Nigeria.

Beyond just application processing, the NSW is actively onboarding stakeholders. Over 7,500 registered users, including importers, clearing and forwarding agents, and licensed customs agents, have been brought onto the platform. This inclusive approach is vital for ensuring that all parties involved in trade can benefit from the streamlined processes. Furthermore, the successful implementation of the Air Cargo Manifest Module, with eight airlines and courier operators now submitting manifests, shows the portal's expanding capabilities.

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End-user training for private stakeholders is still ongoing to ensure that new users continue to receive the guidance required to fully understand the NSW platform and carry out their respective activities effectively.

The ongoing end-user training sessions, both for private stakeholders and government agencies, are critical to the NSW's long-term success. By equipping users with the knowledge to navigate the platform effectively, Nigeria is laying a strong foundation for a more efficient and transparent trade ecosystem. This initiative is a key component of the nation's efforts to boost trade and economic growth.

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Public stakeholder training: a total of 579 MDA representatives were trained. The training was designed to ensure that MDA officers understood the NSW process flow, their agency-specific responsibilities, and how to carry out.