Nigeria’s push to modernise its trade ecosystem has taken a significant leap forward as global logistics firm DHL, in collaboration with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, has successfully launched the electronic transmission of cargo manifests, licences, and permits via the National Single Window (NSW) platform.
The development marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s trade digitisation drive, coming shortly after the platform officially went live over the weekend.
During coordinated live demonstrations at DHL’s Lagos airport facility and the NSW operations centre in Apapa, stakeholders from both public and private sectors observed the system processing cargo documentation in real time. The platform seamlessly transmitted data across border systems while accurately generating rotation numbers.
Although minor technical issues and temporary network delays were recorded during the exercise, the rollout was largely successful, boosting confidence in the system’s reliability and readiness.
Project Director of the NSW, Tola Fakolade, said the initiative has now transitioned from concept to full implementation. He stressed that the platform is already delivering on its core functions, including electronic submission and integration with border systems.
Fakolade described DHL’s early participation as a key demonstration of how logistics companies and regulatory bodies can use the system to streamline cargo clearance, reduce delays, and enhance transparency across Nigeria’s trade value chain. He acknowledged initial challenges but emphasised that technical teams are actively addressing them, urging stakeholders to remain patient as the system expands nationwide.
Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, described the launch as a landmark achievement under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She noted that multiple technical teams are working continuously to ensure seamless operations.
Adebakin added that the NSW, alongside the B’Odogwu system, is expected to improve trade efficiency and deliver measurable economic benefits.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, described the initiative as transformative for port operations. Represented by Oladapo Fatai, he said the system would cut bureaucratic delays and eliminate the need for port users to move between multiple offices for documentation.
At the aviation level, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria official Lekan Thomas highlighted expected improvements in cargo efficiency, security, and planning, noting that the platform will significantly reduce cargo dwell time.
On the private sector side, DHL Nigeria’s Managing Director, Muyiwa Adejeyoju, expressed satisfaction with the company’s early adoption, stating that the move aligns with DHL’s global commitment to enhancing trade and connectivity.
With its first successful transactions completed, the National Single Window platform is set to usher in a new phase of faster, more transparent, and globally competitive trade operations in Nigeria.
