Nigeria’s National Single Window Records Over 39,000 Trade Applications in Eight Weeks

Context The NSW portal went live in March 2026 as part of the government’s effort to streamline trade clearance. It allows importers, exporters, customs agents and government agencies to submit and track required documents electronically. The NSW is designed to replace paper‑based submissions with a single electronic interface for all trade‑related licences, permits, certificates and other documents.

Key Facts Over the last eight weeks, approximately 39,039 LPCO applications were submitted through the NSW. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria filed 30,937 of those, while the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control contributed 7,942.

Additional submissions came from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (138) and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (22). A total of 7,567 users were registered on the platform, comprising 6,935 importers, 359 clearing and forwarding agents, 104 freight forwarders and 169 licensed customs agents.

Training efforts reached 2,990 private‑sector participants and 579 representatives from ministries, departments and agencies. These sessions took place in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano.

The Air Cargo Manifest Module, activated on 27 March 2026 with DHL as the pilot airline, has recorded 136 manifests from eight airlines and courier operators.

What It Means These figures show that the NSW is becoming a central channel for trade documentation, reducing reliance on manual submissions. Continued user onboarding and agency training suggest the platform’s adoption will expand. Stakeholders should watch the phase‑two rollout scheduled for June, which aims to integrate all airlines and shipping lines into the manifest system.