LAGOS — Nigeria has officially launched Phase 1 of the National Single Window (NSW), a digital trade platform designed to modernize Nigeria’s economy. the ministry of finance said in a statement on Tuesday, the reform aims to crash cargo dwell times from the current 21 days to under 7 days by the end of the year.
While Nigerian ports currently take 18–21 days to process cargo—475% higher than the global average—data shows that 73% of these delays are caused by “transaction dwell time” rather than physical infrastructure. The NSW solves this by:
- Creating a single digital platform for all trade documentation.
- Eliminating multiple agency visits and paper-based processes.
- Enabling electronic submission of licenses, permits, and certificates.
The digital launch coincides with a landmark deal to modernize the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, which handle 70% of the nation’s trade. Officials state that the NSW will fix documentation delays while the physical upgrades address terminal congestion.
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this shift is expected to lower the cost of doing business, boost exports under the AfCFTA, and increase government revenue through better compliance.
“The launch of the National Single Window and the upgrade of Apapa and Tin Can Ports
represent a turning point in Nigeria’s trade and economic trajectory,” the Ministry stated.
