FG gives MDAs November deadline to tackle export bottlenecks

The Federal Government has set November 2026 as the deadline for ministries, departments and agencies to finalize the second phase of the National Single Window, aimed at reducing regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles hindering Nigerian exports. During a high-level stakeholder engagement in Abuja, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole announced the deadline, emphasizing the importance of eliminating fragmentation, duplication, and weak coordination among government agencies.

The National Single Window, operational since March 27, has processed over 124,614 licenses and permits, registered 11,096 importers and agents, and trained more than 8,000 users, generating N12.59bn in regulatory payments. Despite this progress, the minister cautioned that the platform's success depends on whether exporters experience faster, simpler and more predictable export procedures.

Oduwole highlighted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's economic diversification agenda, seeking to increase non-oil exports, create jobs, and build a $1tn economy by 2030. Phase 2 of the National Single Window aims to integrate export permits, certificates, licenses, inspections, payments, and other regulatory processes into a coordinated system, with the government aiming for "one portal, one submission and one coordinated process."

The success of the second phase will be measured by exporters' ability to understand regulatory requirements, submit information once, monitor applications, make payments, obtain approvals, and expedite the movement of Nigerian products to international markets.