The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, has called for greater collaboration on the National Single Window (NSW) Project, describing it as a key component in Nigeria’s strategy to overhaul its trade processes and unlock significant economic growth.
The NSW initiative, he said, aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with the ambitious target of transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2031.
Adedeji highlighted the persistent challenges within Nigeria’s trade system, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, costly delays at ports, and a decline in foreign direct investment. These issues, he noted, have substantially diminished the country’s competitiveness in the global market and stifled potential revenue growth.
“We’ve seen how these longstanding challenges—bureaucratic inefficiencies, delays at ports, high operational costs, and reduced foreign direct investment—have hindered Nigeria’s economic development and trade competitiveness,” Adedeji said. He further emphasised that the NSW Project is more than just a reform of trade processes; it is a significant leap toward transforming the nation’s economy.
“The National Single Window Project is not just a step forward; it is a giant leap towards economic transformation,” he said. “The project is designed to streamline trade processes, enhance operational efficiency, promote transparency, and ultimately drive substantial revenue generation.”
By integrating crucial stakeholders, such as seaports, airports, free trade zones, government agencies, and private sector players, the NSW aims to create a seamless, automated, and transparent system for international trade. This system will facilitate smoother transactions, reduce bottlenecks, and encourage more efficient operations across all sectors of trade.
Adedeji underscored the importance of collaboration in making the NSW a success. “The power of collaboration cannot be overstated,” he remarked. “To achieve this, we must dismantle silos, embrace change, and prioritise the national interest above all else.”
He urged open communication, shared responsibility, and a collective commitment from all parties involved—both public and private sectors—to meet the goals of the NSW initiative. By fostering a culture of partnership, Adedeji believes Nigeria can harness the transformative potential of the project to enhance trade, attract investments, and build a more prosperous future for all citizens.
The forum also provided a platform for raising awareness, aligning goals, and fostering a shared sense of ownership among stakeholders. In closing, Adedeji urged participants to leverage their expertise and work together to position Nigeria as a leading trade hub in Africa.
“This is our moment to unlock Nigeria’s full trade potential and drive economic growth. Together, we can turn this vision into a reality,” he said.