he Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, has announced that Nigeria will on Friday, March 27, roll out a major digital platform designed to streamline import and export processes across the country.

She described the initiative as a “game changer” capable of transforming trade facilitation and boosting economic efficiency.

Oduwole disclosed that the first phase of the National Single Window, a centralised electronic platform aimed at reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks in trade, will officially go live with limited operations.

According to her, the pilot phase will involve one shipping line and one port.

The platform is expected to significantly cut down paperwork, delays, and costs associated with clearing goods at Nigerian ports.

“These are the kinds of game changers in terms of trade facilitation that we need,” she said, stressing that the initiative is critical for an economy of Nigeria’s scale seeking to deepen trade activities.

The minister noted that the project forms a key component of the broader economic reforms being implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She explained that the administration’s reform drive also includes restructuring the country’s tax system and implementing fiscal adjustments aimed at improving revenue generation and economic stability.

Oduwole expressed optimism that the digital platform would have far-reaching economic benefits, particularly in improving Nigeria’s balance of trade and enhancing foreign exchange earnings.

She said, “Streamlining imports and exports at the ports could have a multiplier effect in terms of balance of trade and foreign exchange generation.”

The development follows a recent agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom on a £746 million ($1 billion) export finance deal to support the redevelopment of two major trading ports.

Speaking on the possibility of a free trade agreement with China, the minister said the Federal Government was still weighing its options.

“We’re still looking at all the options, and then we’ll see,” she said.

Oduwole also addressed concerns over the impact of ongoing tensions in the Middle East on emerging markets and global capital flows.

She noted that it may take time to fully understand how the situation will affect economies like Nigeria.

“Everybody’s a bit nervous at a point, but we really pray that it’s over soon and that markets can stabilise and investors can again get that confidence of stability,” she added.