By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku has urged stakeholders in the aviation sector to embrace the National Single Window (NSW) initiative aimed at improving trade facilitation.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024, launched the NSW initiative, saying it was a transformative project that will propel the nation’s economy to new heights.
The initiative linked ports, government agencies, and key stakeholders, creating a seamless and efficient system.
Nigeria joined the ranks of other countries to reap the rewards of a streamlined, digitized trade process.
The paperless initiative is estimated to bring an annual economic benefit of around $2.7 billion.
Besides Nigeria, Singapore, South Korea, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia have already seen significant improvements in trade efficiency after implementing Single Window systems.
She spoke at the weekend during a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos.
According to her, the initiative serves as an innovative digital platform that seamlessly integrates government agencies, private stakeholders and financial institutions.
This collaboration, she said, streamlines trade processes and eliminates the bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long hindered progress.
Highlighting the inherent benefits of embracing this initiative, Kuku said the Single Window gives room for efficiency, adding that for instance, streamlined trade processes at cargo terminals will become faster and more efficient, allowing stakeholders to operate without unnecessary delays.
She said the initiative will also pave the way for transparency as real-time updates and tracking will foster trust and accountability among all participants in the trade ecosystem.
Kuku, who listed cost savings, compliance and Strengthened Global Relationships as parts of the benefits, said: “It is cost savings by reducing delays, preventing revenue leakages, and significantly lowering storage fees and operational costs. Improved alignment with international regulations will boost Nigeria’s adherence to global standards and enhance our standing in global trade.
“By adhering to international standards, we will elevate Nigeria’s position in the global market, fostering stronger relationships with our international trade partners. However, we must also recognise that challenges still exist. The current fragmentation among agencies and reluctance to collaborate can impede progress.
“When individual interests take precedence over collective goals, it creates barriers..Allow me to say that no agency or stakeholder can succeed alone but it is through teamwork that we ensure sustainable progress. It is through collaboration that we unlock our true potential. The time for decisive action is now.”
The FAAN boss said adopting the NSW initiative should not be viewed merely as the introduction of a technological tool; but a tool for a unique opportunity for us to unite under a shared vision of efficiency, growth, and prosperity—for our nation and ourselves.
She said: “For those still uncertain, I encourage you to consider this: the successful implementation of this system will undoubtedly lead to increased trade volumes, resulting in greater revenue for all involved stakeholders. This success will be a collective triumph. Let us cultivate a mindset that prioritizes progress over individual interests.
“The journey to a modernised trade environment starts with our collective efforts. We must embrace the Single Window initiative and collaborate in paving the way for an inclusive, efficient, and prosperous trade ecosystem.
“The project is designed to reduce clearance times, improve economic metrics, increase transparency, and minimise trade costs.“
Kuku however said FAAN has made remarkable progress in trade facilitation through key initiatives, including: Implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for stakeholders like ground handlers, airlines, customs brokers, and government agencies to standardize operations; engaging and registering all stakeholders operating at the airports to ensure security, safety, and compliance with international standards; Actively participating in broader initiatives like the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Trade Facilitation Act of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and now the National Single Window, which are aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and improving the ease of doing business.
The Nation