By Okwe Obi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zaccheus Adelabu, has stated that 24-hour port operations would generate approximately N1 trillion for Nigeria.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, this was disclosed during a three-day workshop on the National Single Window project, an initiative launched by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Adelabu highlighted that the project is pivotal to achieving President Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2031.
“The National Single Window project represents a pivotal stride in Nigeria’s journey towards economic transformation.
“For too long, Nigeria’s trade facilitation processes have been hampered by a complex web of bureaucratic hurdles, characterised by cumbersome and inefficient procedures. This has led to significant delays at the ports, increased costs of doing business, and a substantial erosion of Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.
“This situation has caused substantial revenue losses, reduced foreign direct investments, and hindered the full realization of our nation’s economic potential.
“By establishing an integrated platform that seamlessly connects all the critical actors – seaports, airports, free trade zones, government agencies, financial institutions, and the private sector – we are set to revolutionise the way we conduct international trade.
“Now is the moment for Nigeria to establish itself as a leading trade hub on the African continent by implementing a robust and efficient National Single Window system.”
Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, represented at the event, noted that the Single Window concept was not new to Nigeria but acknowledged challenges that had hindered its past implementations.
“Over the years, we have witnessed various efforts aimed at integrating government agencies, streamlining processes, and fostering efficiency in trade facilitation.
“However, these attempts have been fraught with challenges, ranging from fragmented technological systems and institutional silos to misaligned stakeholder expectations and inadequate physical and technological infrastructure.
“While these obstacles have slowed our progress, they have also provided invaluable lessons that shape the roadmap for future success.
“To succeed, we must embrace a singular purpose backed by unwavering governmental resolve, ensuring that the Single Window is not perceived as the sole mandate but as a national strategy supported by all stakeholders, including the private sector, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies.
“The centrality of Customs in this ecosystem is undeniable, but success requires a symbiotic relationship where each stakeholder plays its part with precision and commitment,” he said.