Nigeria will unveil a centralised digital platform on Friday to simplify imports and exports, a key trade reform, Minister Jumoke Oduwole said.
The National Single Window, designed to cut bureaucracy and reduce processing times, will initially include one shipping line and a single port.
Oduwole described the launch as a “game changer” for trade, emphasising its priority for Nigeria’s economy and trading ambitions.
The project is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader reform agenda, which also covers tax architecture and fiscal restructuring.
Last week, Britain and Nigeria signed a £746 million export finance deal to redevelop two Nigerian trading ports.
Streamlining port operations, Oduwole said, could multiply benefits for the balance of trade and generate significant foreign exchange.
Inefficiencies at Nigerian ports add major costs, with goods from Europe costing five times more than in South Africa, analysts said.
Regarding a potential free trade agreement with China, Oduwole noted that Nigeria is still reviewing options before making decisions.
She also commented on global market volatility from the Middle East conflict, warning that capital costs and investor confidence remain uncertain.
“Markets are nervous, but we hope stability returns soon so investors regain confidence in predictable economic conditions,” Oduwole added.