• Digital platform centralizes trade procedures across public agencies
• Reform aims to speed up imports and exports and boost competitiveness
• Launch comes as trade surplus and port activity show strong growth

Nigeria has launched its national “Single Window” platform, a major reform aimed at modernizing trade operations and improving economic efficiency. The digital system, unveiled on March 24 and led by the Ministry of Finance, centralizes services from multiple government agencies to simplify import and export procedures.

FGN Launches National Single Window to Cut Trade Costs and Boost Growth

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, today led the launch of Nigeria’s National Single Window in Lagos, a flagship reform to modernise trade, reduce… pic.twitter.com/koIAo44RFK

— Federal Ministry of Finance (@FinMinNigeria) March 24, 2026

The initiative is designed to reduce processing times, lower trade costs, and make it easier for businesses to access markets. It is also expected to improve transparency, strengthen coordination across administrations, and enhance public revenue collection.

For Finance Minister Wale Edun, the project marks “a decisive turning point, shifting from complexity to coordination.” He added that it will “facilitate trade, improve competitiveness, and support economic growth,” while noting that its full impact will depend in part on ongoing upgrades to port infrastructure.

The rollout comes as Nigeria records improving trade performance. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the country posted a trade surplus of $1.22 billion.

At the same time, port activity has surged. Nigerian ports handled 129.3 million tons of cargo in 2025, up from 103.6 million tons in 2024, a 24.8% increase. Imports still dominate traffic, accounting for 59.2% of volumes, while exports represent 39%.

Nigeria’s external reserves have also strengthened, reaching $50.45 billion as of February 16, 2026—their highest level in 13 years—covering nearly 9.7 months of imports of goods and services.

Charlène N’dimon