The federal government will on March 27 launch a digital platform designed to integrate government agencies involved in import and export processes into a single portal to streamline trade operations.
The platform, known as the National Single Window for Trade, will centralise documentation and approvals required for trade and port operations, allowing traders to submit information once for processing by multiple agencies.
In a statement on Monday, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s trade system through digital technology.
The agency said through the system, importers and exporters will be able to submit trade-related information through a unified interface, while the data will automatically be shared with regulatory agencies responsible for approvals.
“As one of the critical regulatory agencies responsible for safeguarding the health of Nigerians through the regulation and control of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water, NAFDAC has played a pivotal role in the development and operational readiness of the National Single Window system,” the statement reads.
“Over the years, NAFDAC has made significant investments in the digitisation of its regulatory processes, including the deployment of electronic platforms for product registration, permits, inspections, and import/export clearances. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for seamless integration into the National Single Window framework.”
The agency noted that it had aligned its digital platforms with the infrastructure of the single window and was reviewing operational guidelines and standard procedures ahead of the launch.
NAFDAC said the new platform is expected to improve transparency, reduce duplication of processes and minimise delays in cargo clearance.
“The management of NAFDAC believes that the National Single Window represents a transformative step in Nigeria’s trade modernisation agenda,” the statement added.
The agency urged importers, exporters and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the platform and comply with updated regulatory procedures that will accompany its implementation.
