…Assures Commitment To Platform’s Hitch-Free Operations
As arrangements by the Federal Government to launch the National Single Window (NSW) for trade facilitation on 27 March as part of a major reform to modernize the country’s trade and port operations through digital technology continue to elicit all relevant agencies’ commitment, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has described the initiative as desirable for the nation’s revenue generation and sustainable economic growth.
The National Single Window is a centralized digital platform that integrates all government agencies involved in import and export processes into a single electronic portal designed to streamline trade processes by enabling importers, exporters, and government agencies to submit, process, and obtain approvals for trade-related documentation through a unified electronic interface.
Through this platform, traders will submit trade-related information once, and the data will be shared automatically with all relevant regulatory agencies for processing and approvals.
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A statement issued on Monday by the agency’s management indicated that in preparation for the launch, NAFDAC had undertaken several strategic activities to ensure smooth transition and effective participation in the new trade ecosystem.
Specifically, the management listed some of the strategic measures being undertaken by the agency to ensure hitch-free operations of the National Single Window as including alignment of NAFDAC digital platforms with the National Single Window infrastructure to ensure seamless interoperability and data exchange and ongoing review and update of operational guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect process changes arising from the implementation of the Single Window system.
Others are strengthening inter-agency collaboration with other participating government institutions involved in trade facilitation, border control, and regulatory oversight, capacity building and sensitization of NAFDAC staff to ensure effective use of the platform, and updating regulatory documentation and guidelines on the NAFDAC website to reflect the integration with the National Single Window portal.
According to the management, through these efforts, NAFDAC aims to enhance regulatory transparency, reduce duplication of processes, minimize delays in cargo clearance, and support Nigeria’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business.
The Director-General of the NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, expressed her to leveraging digital technologies and collaborative governance to strengthen regulatory oversight while facilitating legitimate trade.
According to her, the management of the agency believes that the National Single Window represents a transformative step in Nigeria’s trade modernization agenda. NAFDAC is therefore proud to contribute to this national initiative by ensuring that regulatory processes are efficient, transparent, and aligned with global best practices.
In view of the National Single Window platform’s benefits to the economy, the NAFDAC encouraged importers, exporters, manufacturers, and other stakeholders involved in the trade of regulated products to familiarize themselves with the platform and comply with updated regulatory procedures that will accompany the system’s implementation.
This is even as it reiterated its commitment to protecting public health while supporting national economic growth through efficient and technology-driven regulatory systems.
As one of the critical regulatory agencies responsible for safeguarding the health of Nigerians through the regulation and control of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water, NAFDAC recalled that it had played a pivotal role in the development and operational readiness of the National Single Window system.
Over the years, the agency has made significant investments in the digitization of its regulatory processes, including the deployment of electronic platforms for product registration, permits, inspections, and import/export clearances. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for seamless integration into the National Single Window framework.
