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By Daniel Adaji
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially joined the Federal Government’s effort to modernise trade in Nigeria with the launch of the National Single Window (NSW), a digital platform designed to simplify import and export processes for traders and government agencies alike.
Set to go live on 27 March 2026, the NSW is a centralised electronic system that allows traders to submit trade-related information once, with the data automatically shared with all relevant regulatory agencies. This move is expected to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, speed up cargo clearance, and enhance transparency across Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
In a statement on Monday, the agency said, “This initiative is a transformative step in Nigeria’s trade modernization agenda. NAFDAC remains committed to leveraging digital technologies and collaborative governance to strengthen regulatory oversight while facilitating legitimate trade.”
Over the years, NAFDAC has made investments in digitising regulatory processes, including electronic platforms for product registration, permits, inspections, and import/export clearances. These initiatives have laid the groundwork for seamless integration into the NSW framework.
In preparation for the launch, NAFDAC has undertaken several strategic measures. These include aligning its digital platforms with the NSW system to ensure smooth interoperability and data exchange, reviewing operational guidelines to reflect new process changes, and strengthening collaboration with other regulatory agencies involved in trade facilitation.
“Through this platform, traders will submit trade-related information once, and the data will be shared automatically with all relevant regulatory agencies for processing and approvals,” NAFDAC said.
Staff training and sensitisation programs have also been conducted to ensure effective adoption of the system, while regulatory documentation on the NAFDAC website has been updated to reflect the integration with the NSW. These efforts aim to minimise delays, eliminate duplication, and support Nigeria’s drive to improve the ease of doing business.
Importers, exporters, manufacturers, and other stakeholders are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the platform and adhere to updated procedures.
“NAFDAC encourages all stakeholders involved in the trade of regulated products to comply with updated regulatory procedures that will accompany the system’s implementation,” the agency stated.