The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a renewed partnership with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Single Window (NSW) Secretariat to fast-track the launch of the Nigerian National Single Window Project — a transformative digital trade platform scheduled to go live in the first quarter of 2026.

At a high-level meeting held on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), hosted FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, and NSW Project Director, Mr. Tola Fakolade, to review progress and finalise operational plans.

‘A Modern Trade Ecosystem’ – Customs Boss

CGC Adeniyi described the National Single Window as a “transformational initiative that will reshape Nigeria’s trade landscape,” emphasising that the system’s success depends on synergy among all trade-related government agencies.

“This project is not just about technology; it is about building a modern trade ecosystem where government agencies work as one to serve the trading community with efficiency, transparency, and speed,” he said.

The National Single Window, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024, will digitally connect all trade-related government agencies on one unified platform. It is designed to cut bureaucratic bottlenecks, reduce cargo clearance times, lower operational costs, and make Nigeria more competitive in global markets.

FIRS Pledges Full Support

Dr. Adedeji reaffirmed the revenue agency’s commitment to the project, promising close cooperation to ensure that the platform delivers on its objectives.

“We will collaborate fully to ensure the system delivers on its promise of improved compliance, revenue growth, and ease of doing business,” Adedeji stated.

Keeping to Timelines

NSW Director, Mr. Fakolade, urged all participating agencies to meet their integration deadlines to secure the Q1 2026 launch date.

The meeting ended with a joint commitment from the NCS, FIRS, and the NSW Secretariat to intensify technical integration efforts, maintain open communication, and keep stakeholders updated on progress.

When operational, the National Single Window is expected to boost revenue generation, create jobs, strengthen trade compliance, and provide measurable benefits for businesses, government, and consumers.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has dissolved the State Executive Council, removing most commissioners and special advisers in what is seen as a major political shake-up.

The dissolution, which took immediate effect, was announced in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, on Sunday.

According to the statement, all affected commissioners and special advisers are to hand over to the permanent secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the outgoing cabinet members for their service.

“I thank all affected members of the State Executive Council for their contributions to the development of Ekiti State and wish them success in their future endeavours,” the governor said.

Exceptions to the Dissolution

Not all officials were affected by the sweeping changes. The statement clarified that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Works, and Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives will remain in office.

Two special advisers — Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion and Special Adviser on Lands, Survey and e-GIS — have also retained their positions.

In addition, all Directors-General who are part of the State Executive Council will continue in their roles. These include the Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD); Director General, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Project Monitoring; and Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

Political Context and Possible Implications

While no official reason was given for the cabinet shake-up, political observers in the state believe the move may be part of a broader strategy to reposition the government ahead of upcoming political and developmental priorities. Such reshuffles are common midway into an administration’s tenure, often used to inject fresh energy into governance or reward political loyalty.

The dissolution comes at a time when Ekiti State is pushing several key projects, including infrastructure development, agricultural reforms, and improved public service delivery.

Governor Oyebanji is expected to announce new appointments in the coming weeks.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun high-level consultations with key players in the freight forwarding industry over plans to review the renewal fees for licensed customs agents. The proposed changes are part of wider reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, improving efficiency, and adapting to current economic conditions.

The talks, held at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, 7 August 2025, brought together executives from major industry associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), and the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC).

According to the Service, the review is anchored on its statutory mandate under Sections 103 to 107 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. It will also reflect “prevailing economic realities, including the value of exchange rates,” while ensuring only compliant, competent, and integrity-driven agents retain their licences.

Raising Standards in Cargo Clearance

The licensing of customs agents, NCS stressed, is a critical safeguard in Nigeria’s cargo clearance process. By revising the licensing fees and requirements, the Service hopes to promote accountability, streamline operations, and enhance service delivery across the sector.

“This initiative is aimed at promoting accountability, streamlining processes, and enhancing the quality of service delivery in the sector,” the NCS said in its statement.

The new licensing structure is scheduled to take effect from January 2026, following the conclusion of stakeholder consultations.

Benefits for Compliant Agents

Under the proposed system, agents who meet the updated standards will enjoy premium benefits such as:

Faster processing timelines

Improved engagement channels with Customs officers

Better integration with upgraded digital platforms

The Service said these incentives are designed to reward professionalism and discourage sharp practices.

CGC Adeniyi Addressing the roundtable

Commitment to Transparency

Dr Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS National Public Relations Officer, emphasised the agency’s openness to input from industry stakeholders before final decisions are made.

“The NCS reassures stakeholders of its commitment to an inclusive process and notes that feedback from industry associations, individual operators, and relevant government agencies will be carefully considered before the finalisation and implementation of the review. The Service reiterates its dedication to fairness, transparency, and the promotion of a secure, competitive, and efficient trading environment in Nigeria,” Maiwada stated.

Sector Impact

Industry experts believe the changes could have a significant effect on the cost of doing business, but also on the quality of operations within Nigeria’s ports. Supporters say that by ensuring only qualified and compliant agents remain in the system, the policy could improve trust in Nigeria’s international trade processes.