During a high-level meeting at NCS headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, stakeholders from both agencies reviewed preparations for the National Single Window ahead of its planned launch in the first quarter of 2026.

Speaking on the importance of collaboration, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, executive chairman of FIRS, said:

“We are at a stage where everyone needs the right support to get the job done properly. We want to synergise with the NCS.

“Now is the time to get involved because Mr President has given us a clear deadline of the first quarter of 2026. I am here to support the Nigerian Customs Service to achieve the launch of the National Single Window and to foster further collaboration ahead of the first phase in March 2026.”

Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller-general of NCS, emphasised that the meeting aimed to exchange ideas that would aid project preparations.

He noted that the initiative is intended to create a trade ecosystem integrating technology to reduce obstacles in the movement of goods.

The National Single Window (NSW) project, launched by President Bola Tinubu in April 2024, is designed to streamline trade procedures, enhance transparency, and accelerate economic growth.

The initiative establishes a central platform for traders to access information on import and export processes, improve trade facilitation, and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.

Fifteen suspected smugglers, findings have shown, were also arrested in connection with the seizures, based on the order given by the Comptroller-General of the service, Adewale Adeniyi, and it was learned.

Two suspected human trafficking agents, who violated Immigration laws, it was gathered, had also been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary prosecution.

The team also intercepted 4,019 30-liter kegs of petroleum products at various border points in the zone.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, the Coordinator of the team, M S Shuaibu disclosed that his team has all the South Western states of the country as its area of responsibility which makes it a tedious exercise, based on the rigorous terrain and the hostile nature characterized with border communities around their area of coverage.

“While the Federal Government is committed to ensuring the availability of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the citizenry, it is disheartening to know that some notorious smugglers are bent on smuggling the products to neighboring countries for their selfish gain. These groups of unpatriotic citizens will have us to contend with, as the Sector has deployed intelligence to apprehend offenders,” he said.

The quantity of the petroleum product seized by the team, Shuaibu said, was about five trailer loads from the depot. Customs officials, it was gathered, monitored the petrol smugglers from various filling stations around the border areas for one week, before the clampdown.

In a congratulatory letter to the new Customs boss, Afolabi hailed the dedication and commitment Adeniyi has shown over the years to the Service.

He said:

“Rising through the ranks, you have dutifully discharged your duties to the best of your abilities. It is therefore not a surprise that the President has found you worthy to steer the ship of the organization at a critical time like this. This appointment is a reward of the dedication, commitment and professionalism you have demonstrated at the Nigeria Customs Service in particular and Nigeria as a whole over the years”

“SIFAX Group as a company is confident in your ability to reset and transform the Nigeria Customs Service to become a major catalyst for the country’s economic growth and development which is the cardinal focus of the current administration”.

Afolabi assured that SIFAX Group will support the new CG and his office in order to make his tenure a remarkable one in the annals of the service.