Nigeria has taken a major step toward transforming its trade and logistics sector with the rollout of a digital cargo processing system on the National Single Window (NSW) platform.
The initiative, driven by global logistics company DHL in partnership with key regulatory bodies including the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), enables the electronic submission and transmission of cargo manifests, licences, and permits.
The system, which recently went live, was demonstrated at DHL’s Lagos airport facility and the NSW operations centre in Apapa. Stakeholders from government and the private sector witnessed real-time processing of cargo documentation, seamless data exchange across border systems, and accurate generation of rotation numbers.
While minor technical glitches and temporary network delays were encountered during the demonstration, the overall rollout was successful, reinforcing confidence in the platform’s capability.
Speaking on the development, NSW Project Director Tola Fakolade said the platform has fully transitioned into operational mode, stressing that it is already delivering results through efficient electronic processing and integration with border control systems.
He described DHL’s participation as a strong example of how collaboration between logistics operators and regulatory agencies can simplify cargo clearance, reduce delays, and enhance transparency across Nigeria’s trade value chain. Fakolade added that initial challenges are expected in large-scale digital projects but assured that technical teams are working to resolve them.
The Deputy Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service for ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, described the launch as a significant achievement under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at improving trade efficiency and empowering stakeholders.
She noted that multiple teams, including those from Customs, the NSW project, and trade modernisation units, are working continuously to ensure smooth operations. According to her, the platform, alongside the B’Odogwu system, is expected to unlock measurable economic benefits.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, also hailed the initiative as a game-changer for port operations, noting that it would reduce bureaucracy and eliminate the need for multiple physical documentation processes.
Similarly, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria official Lekan Thomas said the platform would improve cargo handling efficiency, strengthen security, and support better planning through data-driven processes.
DHL Nigeria’s Managing Director, Muyiwa Adejeyoju, expressed satisfaction with the company’s early adoption of the system, noting that it aligns with DHL’s global commitment to enhancing trade facilitation and connectivity.
With successful initial transactions already recorded, the National Single Window platform is expected to usher in faster, more transparent, and more efficient trade operations across Nigeria.
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