By Providence Ayanfeoluwa
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, has expressed support to deployment of the National Single Window, NSW, platform for international trade in Nigeria, amidst growing controversy around the initiative.
NSW is a digital platform designed to streamline import and export processes across Nigeria’s trade environment.
The NSW initiative, scheduled to commence operations on March 27, 2026 would integrate multiple government agencies involved in trade regulation into a unified electronic platform.
The system will allow traders to submit required documentation through a single portal for processing by relevant authorities, thereby reducing duplication, improving transparency, and enhancing efficiency across Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
In a statement, Director General/Chief Executive, SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, said the organisation is actively collaborating with partner regulatory agencies to ensure that the integration of regulatory processes into the NSW framework strengthens quality assurance and compliance with applicable standards.
He explained that as the national standards body responsible for developing and enforcing standards for products and services in Nigeria, SON plays a critical role in safeguarding product quality, consumer safety, and fair-trade practices.
Okeke said the introduction of the NSW represents a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s trade infrastructure and improving the ease of doing business.
He stated: “By enabling electronic submission of permits, certificates, and other regulatory documentation, the system will simplify trade procedures and accelerate cargo clearance processes at the nation’s ports. Experts estimate that the platform could significantly reduce cargo clearance timelines and improve Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
“SON has undertaken key preparatory steps to ensure seamless participation in the initiative, including aligning its relevant digital platforms and regulatory procedures with the emerging trade facilitation framework. These efforts will support more efficient processing of standards-related approvals and enhance coordination with other government agencies operating within the National Single Window environment.
“Through this initiative, SON will further strengthen its mandate of ensuring that products imported and exported into and from the country, comply with established national and international standards.
“The Organisation will also continue to work closely with stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, exporters, and logistics operators, to promote compliance and facilitate legitimate trade.”
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