Nigeria is setting its sights on becoming a global trade powerhouse, and a key component of that vision is the newly launched National Single Window initiative.
At a stakeholders’ forum held at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja on January 29th, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, emphasized the transformative potential of this program.
Kuku highlighted the crucial role of aviation in global commerce, citing IATA figures that air cargo accounts for roughly a third of global trade by volume, representing over $8 trillion annually.
She stressed that Nigeria, with its significant resources and capacity, is well-positioned to capture a larger share of this market.
The Single Window initiative, a digital platform integrating government agencies, private stakeholders, and financial institutions, aims to streamline trade processes and eliminate long-standing bureaucratic hurdles.
Kuku outlined the key benefits: increased efficiency, greater transparency, significant cost savings, improved compliance with international standards, and strengthened global relationships.
The FAAN Managing Director detailed the organization’s commitment to trade facilitation, including the establishment of the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services by the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN.
This directorate is focused on boosting air cargo export volumes, particularly through route development and agro-export collaborations, streamlining airport operations, creating a supportive environment for stakeholders, and ensuring safety, security, and compliance.
According to her, FAAN has already made strides through the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for stakeholders, the registration of all airport operators, and active participation in initiatives like PEBEC, AfCFTA, and the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Act.
Kuku acknowledged existing challenges, including fragmentation among agencies and a reluctance to collaborate.
She urged stakeholders to prioritize collective goals over individual interests, emphasizing that no single entity can succeed in isolation.
“It is through teamwork that we ensure sustainable progress,” she stated, “It is through collaboration that we unlock our true potential.”
The helsman called for decisive action, viewing the Single Window initiative not just as a technological tool, but as an opportunity for unified progress.
She emphasized the potential for increased trade volumes and revenue for all stakeholders, urging those hesitant to consider the benefits of a streamlined and efficient trade ecosystem.
“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak,” she said, underscoring the importance of focusing on essential goals.
Kuku called on all stakeholders to embrace the initiative and work together to build a prosperous trade future for Nigeria.
