Federal government has announced plans to officially deploy a digital trade platform for air and sea cargo operations in March 2026, marking a major step in Nigeria’s ongoing effort to modernise trade processes and improve efficiency at the nation’s ports and airports.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) disclosed this in a post on X on Tuesday, stating that its Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, working alongside the National Single Window (NSW) team, recently met with critical industry stakeholders to finalise preparations for the rollout.
“The Directorate of Cargo Development and Services of FAAN, in collaboration with the @NSW_Nigeria team, recently engaged with key stakeholders and announced that the Digital Trade Platform is scheduled for launch in March 2026,” the post reads.
“During the engagement, all cargo airline operators were directed by the Honourable Minister of Finance to submit their air cargo manifests through the National Single Window (NSW) platform in preparation for the official launch.”
FAAN added that comprehensive training sessions will be organised for operators and relevant agencies ahead of the launch to ensure a smooth transition, proper understanding, and effective use of the new system.
Speaking further, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs, Henry Agbebire, clarified that the digital trade platform extends beyond aviation cargo services, noting that it will also cover seaport operations, thereby creating a unified electronic system for import and export processing across the country.
The platform is built on the National Single Window framework, which was inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on April 16, 2024, as part of broader reforms aimed at boosting Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and improving revenue generation. The project integrates all agencies and stakeholders involved in cargo clearance, documentation, customs processing, and regulatory approvals into a single electronic portal.
Tinubu had earlier said the system is expected to generate about $2.7 billion annually, while also reducing bureaucratic delays, corruption, port congestion, and revenue leakages. He added that the initiative would enhance transparency, shorten cargo processing timelines, and significantly lower the cost of doing business in Nigeria.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, saying the platform could transform Nigeria’s logistics and trade ecosystem, particularly by simplifying documentation, improving tracking, and boosting investor confidence. They also noted that successful implementation would position Nigeria as a regional hub for maritime and aviation trade in West Africa.
