Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, MD, FAAN
By Sade Williams
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has urged stakeholders in the aviation sector to embrace the Single Window initiative aimed at improving trade facilitation.
She spoke on Thursday at the National Single Window stakeholders’ forum held in Lagos.
According to her, the initiative serves as an innovative digital platform that seamlessly integrates government agencies, private stakeholders and financial institutions.
This collaboration, she said streamlines trade processes and eliminates the bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long hindered progress.
Highlighting the inherent benefits of embracing this initiative, Kuku said it the Single Window gives room for efficiency, adding that for instance, streamlined trade processes at cargo terminals will become faster and more efficient, allowing stakeholders to operate without unnecessary delays.
She said the initiative will also pave way for transparency as real-time updates and tracking will foster trust and accountability among all participants in the trade ecosystem.
Kuku, who listed cost savings, compliance and Strengthened Global Relationships as parts of the benefits, said
“It is cost savings by reducing delays, preventing revenue leakages, and significantly lowering storage fees and operational costs. Improved alignment with international regulations will boost Nigeria’s adherence to global standards and enhance our standing in global trade. By adhering to international standards, we will elevate Nigeria’s position in the global market, fostering stronger relationships with our international trade partners.However, we must also recognise that challenges still exist. The current fragmentation among agencies and reluctance to collaborate can impede progress.
“When individual interests take precedence over collective goals, it creates barriers..Allow me to say that no agency or stakeholder can succeed alone but it is through teamwork that we ensure sustainable progress. It s through collaboration that we unlock our true potential. The time for decisive action is now.”, she said.
The FAAN boss noted that adopting the Single Window initiative should not be viewed merely as the introduction of a technological tool; but a tool for a unique opportunity for us to unite under a shared vision of efficiency, growth, and prosperity—for our nation and ourselves.
“For those still uncertain, I encourage you to consider this: the successful implementation of this system will undoubtedly lead to increased trade volumes, resulting in greater revenue for all involved stakeholders. This success will be a collective triumph. Let us cultivate a mindset that prioritizes progress over individual interests.
“The journey to a modernised trade environment starts with our collective efforts. We must embrace the Single Window initiative and collaborate in paving the way for an inclusive, efficient, and prosperous trade ecosystem.
“The project is designed to reduce clearance times, improve economic metrics, increase transparency, and minimise trade costs “, she added.
Kuku however revealed that FAAN has made remarkable progress in trade facilitation through key initiatives, including: Implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for stakeholders like ground handlers, airlines, customs brokers, and government agencies to standardize operations; engaging and registering all stakeholders operating at the airports to ensure security, safety, and compliance with international standards; Actively participating in broader initiatives like the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Trade Facilitation Act of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and now the National Single Window, which are aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and improving the ease of doing business.
Recall that in April 2024, President Bola Tinubu, launched the National Single Window initiative, saying it was a transformative project that will propel the nation’s economy to new heights.
He had said that the initiative will link our ports, government agencies, and key stakeholders, creating a seamless and efficient system that will facilitate trade like never before.
The President further explained that paperless trade alone is estimated to bring an annual economic benefit of around $2.7 billion, noting that countries like Singapore, South Korea, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia have already seen significant improvements in trade efficiency after implementing Single Window systems.
“It is time for Nigeria to join their ranks and reap the rewards of a streamlined, digitized trade process. As your President, I have always believed in the immense potential of our great nation. We are a people blessed with resilience, creativity, and an unwavering spirit of enterprise”.
