Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has called on stakeholders in the aviation sector to adopt the National Single Window (NSW) initiative to boost trade facilitation in the country.
Launched in April 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NSW initiative is set to transform Nigeria’s trade landscape by linking ports, government agencies, and stakeholders for a more streamlined and efficient system.
The paperless system is expected to generate an estimated $2.7 billion in annual economic benefits, positioning Nigeria alongside nations like Singapore, South Korea, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia, which have already reaped the rewards of a Single Window system.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, Kuku highlighted the importance of the initiative in reducing bureaucratic delays and promoting transparency within trade processes. The system, she said, will help streamline operations at cargo terminals, enhance compliance with international standards, and improve Nigeria’s standing in global trade.
While the initiative promises numerous benefits such as cost savings, strengthened global relationships, and improved trade efficiency, Kuku acknowledged the challenges of fragmented agency operations and the reluctance to collaborate. She stressed that collaboration was essential for sustainable progress.
Kuku emphasized that the NSW should not just be seen as a technological tool but as a unique opportunity for collective growth and prosperity for Nigeria and its stakeholders.
FAAN has already made strides in trade facilitation through initiatives like implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), registering stakeholders at airports, and engaging in global initiatives such as the AfCFTA and WTO’s Trade Facilitation Act.
The NSW initiative is seen as a key element in modernizing Nigeria’s trade environment, reducing clearance times, and minimizing trade costs.
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