SON lends support to FG’s NSW trade drive
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the federal government’s initiative to deploy the National Single Window (NSW) for Trade.
This was made known recently in a press release by Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, Director General/Chief Executive, SON.
Okeke explained that this is a strategic digital platform designed to streamline import and export processes and strengthen Nigeria’s trade environment.
He revealed that the NSW initiative is scheduled to commence operations on the 27th March, 2026, and would integrate multiple government agencies involved in trade regulation into a unified electronic platform.
The system, Okeke continued, would allow traders to submit required documentation through a single portal for processing by relevant authorities, thereby reducing duplication, improving transparency, and enhancing efficiency across Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
“As the national standards body responsible for developing and enforcing standards for products and services in Nigeria, SON plays a critical role in safeguarding product quality, consumer safety, and fair-trade practices.
“The organisation is actively collaborating with partner regulatory agencies, to ensure that the integration of regulatory processes into the NSW framework strengthens quality assurance and compliance with applicable standards”, he said.
According to the release, the introduction of the NSW represents a significant step toward modernising Nigeria’s trade infrastructure and improving the ease of doing business. By enabling electronic submission of permits, certificates, and other regulatory documentation, the system would simplify trade procedures and accelerate cargo clearance processes at the nation’s ports.
Experts estimate that the platform could significantly reduce cargo clearance timelines and improve Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
Okeke assured that SON has undertaken key preparatory steps to ensure seamless participation in the initiative, including aligning its relevant digital platforms and regulatory procedures with the emerging trade facilitation framework.
These efforts, he added would support more efficient processing of standards-related approvals and enhance coordination with other government agencies operating within the NSW environment.
Through this initiative, SON hopes to further strengthen its mandate of ensuring that products imported and exported into and from the country, comply with established national and international standards.
The organisation would also continue to work closely with stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, exporters, and logistics operators, to promote compliance and facilitate legitimate trade.