NSW trade applications rose to 39,039 in eight weeks as Nigeria expands digital processing for permits and cargo documentation

The National Single Window has processed 39,039 licences, permits, certificates and other document applications within eight weeks of launching its first operational phase, signalling rising adoption of the digital trade platform across Nigeria’s import and export sector.

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Director of the NSW Secretariat, Tola Fakolade, disclosed the figures on Friday in Lagos while briefing journalists on the platform’s performance since phase one deployment commenced in March 2026.

Fakolade said the volume of NSW trade applications reflects growing confidence among importers, customs agents and other stakeholders using the platform for trade documentation and regulatory approvals.

“Over the last eight weeks since go-live, approximately 39,039 LPCO applications have been submitted through the platform since the go-live date,” Fakolade said.

“This indicates growing reliance on the NSW for the submission and processing of trade-related licences, permits, certificates, and other documents.”

According to the breakdown released by the secretariat, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria accounted for 30,937 applications, while the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control processed 7,942 applications.

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency recorded 138 submissions, while the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service handled 22 applications.

Fakolade also revealed that 7,567 users had been onboarded onto the platform during the review period.

The registered users include importers, freight forwarders, clearing agents and licensed customs agents operating within Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.

Of the total number onboarded, 6,935 were importers, 359 were clearing and forwarding agents, 104 were freight forwarders, while 169 were licensed customs agents.

The NSW official further disclosed that the Air Cargo Manifest Module, which became operational on March 27, 2026, with DHL serving as the pilot airline operator, has already processed 136 manifests.

According to him, eight airlines and courier operators are now actively submitting cargo manifests through the NSW platform.

Fakolade described the development as a powerful step towards modernising Nigeria’s trade facilitation process and reducing delays associated with manual documentation systems.

He explained that training programmes for both public and private stakeholders commenced in February across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano ahead of the rollout.

The NSW Secretariat disclosed that 2,990 private-sector stakeholders, including importers, exporters and freight forwarders, had undergone training to improve operational efficiency and understanding of the platform.

In addition, 579 representatives from ministries, departments and agencies were trained to handle application reviews, approvals, escalations and stakeholder support services.

The agencies trained include NAFDAC, SON, NESREA and NAQS.

Fakolade announced that phase two of the rollout would begin in June, with plans to complete manifest integration for all airlines and shipping lines operating within the country.

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The National Single Window initiative is part of broader government efforts to digitise trade processes, improve transparency and enhance ease of doing business in Nigeria.