By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Federal Government of Nigeria will deploy the National Single Window for Trade on 27 March 2026 as part of a major reform aimed at modernising the country’s trade and port operations through digital technology.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in a statement signed by its management on March 9, said the National Single Window is a centralised digital platform that integrates all government agencies involved in import and export processes into a single electronic portal, enabling traders to submit trade-related information once while the data is automatically shared with relevant regulatory agencies for approvals.

The platform is designed to streamline trade processes by allowing importers, exporters and government agencies to submit, process and obtain approvals for trade-related documentation through a unified electronic interface, thereby reducing duplication and improving efficiency in cargo clearance.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade facilitation, regulatory efficiency and inter-agency collaboration as Nigeria prepares for the launch of the system.

As one of the key regulatory agencies responsible for safeguarding public health through the regulation and control of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals and packaged water, the agency said it played a significant role in the development and operational readiness of the National Single Window system.

According to the agency, it has over the years made significant investments in the digitisation of its regulatory processes, including the deployment of electronic platforms for product registration, permits, inspections and import and export clearances, laying the groundwork for seamless integration into the new platform.

In preparation for the launch, NAFDAC said it aligned its digital platforms with the National Single Window infrastructure to ensure interoperability and data exchange, reviewed operational guidelines and standard operating procedures to reflect the new processes, strengthened collaboration with other participating government institutions, and conducted capacity building for its staff.

The agency added that regulatory documentation and guidelines on its website have also been updated to reflect the integration with the National Single Window portal.

“Through these efforts, NAFDAC aims to enhance regulatory transparency, reduce duplication of processes, minimise delays in cargo clearance, and support Nigeria’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business,” the statement said.

NAFDAC also encouraged importers, exporters, manufacturers and other stakeholders involved in the trade of regulated products to familiarise themselves with the platform and comply with updated regulatory procedures accompanying the system’s implementation.

The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting public health while supporting national economic growth through efficient and technology-driven regulatory systems.

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