Nigeria is set to roll out a major digital platform this Friday, aimed at simplifying trade procedures and reducing delays for importers and exporters, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole has announced.
Speaking on the initiative, Oduwole described the move as a “game changer” for trade in the country.
She explained that the first phase of the National Single Window, a centralised electronic trade platform, would go live on Friday, initially integrating one shipping line and one port.
“These are the kinds of game changers in terms of trade facilitation that we need,” Oduwole said.
She emphasised that the platform is a priority for an economy the size of Nigeria, which is working to expand and streamline trade.
The project forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s wider reform agenda, which includes fiscal and tax reforms, Oduwole noted.
The announcement followed last week’s £746 million ($1 billion) export finance deal between Britain and Nigeria to redevelop two trading ports.
Oduwole highlighted the potential economic impact, stating that streamlining imports and exports at the ports could have a “multiplier effect” on the country’s balance of trade and foreign exchange generation.
When asked about a potential free trade agreement with China, Oduwole said: “We’re still looking at all the options, and then we’ll see.”
Addressing concerns over the Middle East conflict and its effect on emerging economies and the cost of capital, she remarked: “Everybody’s a bit nervous at a point, but we really pray that it’s over soon and that markets can stabilise and investors can again get that confidence of stability.”
The launch of the National Single Window represents a significant step toward modernising Nigeria’s trade infrastructure, reducing bureaucratic delays, and enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the nation’s import-export sector.
