The Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) has commended the Federal Government for taking the bold step towards actualising the National Single Window (NSW) project after over one and a half decades of contemplation, trials, and errors without a timeline for takeoff.

In a statement signed by the association’s President, Ismail Aniemu, and Secretary, Olamide Osho, MARCON commended the growing number of stakeholders who have shown support for the project, while also describing the NSW as a game changer for Nigeria’s economic rebirth.
The association also urged all players in the nation’s import, export, manufacturing, and logistics ecosystems to brace themselves for tech-driven capacity development that would reinforce Nigeria’s position as Africa’s economic powerhouse, with an influential population and high volume of trade.

It further lauded the project directorate domiciled in the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for pursuing an all-inclusive agenda, promoting robust engagements, and sustaining the tempo of growing awareness for the National Single Window.
By consolidating documentation and automating approvals, MARCON believes the NSW will eliminate redundant paperwork and multiple agency interactions, significantly cutting cargo clearance times.

This, in turn, will reduce demurrage charges (storage fees for delayed goods) and logistics bottlenecks, saving businesses billions of naira annually.
“For instance, importers and exporters can avoid unnecessary costs from port delays, while small enterprises gain easier access to global markets. Overall, this fosters a more efficient supply chain, directly boosting sectoral productivity in manufacturing, agriculture, and e-commerce,” the statement read.

According to Aniemu, “The one-document submission, accessible and usable for security, regulatory, and revenue purposes without the old system of multiple submissions—thereby eliminating the cumbersome bottlenecks of various government agencies—is the right way to go.
“This process is indeed revolutionary, as it will further propel Nigeria into a regime of paperless business transactions, promoting productive speed in a transparent manner that prevents trade disputes.

“We are optimistic about the responsibility and accountability the NSW shall place on all users, as it will, no doubt, usher in true trade facilitation and ease of doing business. We call on all business people to join in working for the success of the project, which commences by the end of the first quarter in 2026.”

Other expected benefits from the project include: Streamlined documentation; cost savings and lower administrative burdens; enhanced government revenue and reduced leakages; increased transparency and anti-corruption measures; and Boosting investors’ confidence to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).