In a major drive to modernize Nigeria’s trade infrastructure, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has mandated that all shipping lines and airlines transition exclusively to the National Single Window (NSW) platform for cargo manifest submissions. Formally issued on November 17, 2025 (Ref: FMF/OHMF/CW/NSW/01), this directive is set to eliminate bottlenecks and accelerate clearance efficiency across the nation’s sea and airports.
Edun stated that the order follows the inauguration of the National Single Window Project by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 16, 2024. The project is a central pillar of the Federal Government’s strategy to modernise Nigeria’s import and export processes, enhance trade facilitation, and increase government revenue.
The National Single Window (NSW) platform is a unified digital system designed to streamline trade operations by integrating multiple government agencies. This strategic integration ensures faster clearance of goods and services, significantly reduces bureaucratic delays, and improves operational efficiency across all ports of entry and exit. The platform aligns with global best practices set by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the World Customs Organisation (WCO), as explained by Edun.
He highlighted the Single Window system’s core principles: Single-entry point for all documentation: Streamlining the submission process into one location, and Single submission of data: Information is provided once and shared across all relevant agencies, eliminating redundant entries.
” In line with these principles, the National Single Window will serve as the single-entry point for the submission of all sea and air manifests,” the minister stated. “All shipping lines and airlines are therefore ordered to integrate with the NSW platform to ensure seamless manifest submission.”
However, the Minister further maintained that the government is confident the new policy will deliver key benefits, eliminate redundant documentation, enhance transparency and data accuracy, strengthen coordination among regulatory agencies at all ports and airports
Stakeholders anticipate that full implementation will significantly reduce cargodwell time, lower the cost of doing business, and boost Nigeria’s regional and global trade competitiveness.
The minister’s communication concluded with a call for full compliance as Nigeria transitions to a more efficient, digitized, and unified trade processing system.
