FAAN MD Advocates Single Window Initiative to Revolutionise Nigeria’s Trade Facilitation
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to enhancing trade facilitation and positioning Nigeria as a global trade hub through the National Single Window initiative.
Speaking at the National Single Window Stakeholders’ Forum held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Mrs Kuku emphasised the critical role of aviation in international commerce and the necessity of a streamlined, technology-driven approach to trade operations.
In her keynote address, Mrs Kuku highlighted the staggering impact of air cargo on global trade, citing data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which indicates that air cargo facilitates the transportation of goods worth over $8 trillion annually, accounting for approximately 33% of global trade by volume.
She stressed that Nigeria, with its vast resources and manpower, must leverage the Single Window initiative to capture a greater share of this trade.
“The Single Window initiative represents an innovative digital platform that integrates government agencies, private stakeholders, and financial institutions to streamline trade processes, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, and enhance efficiency,” she stated.
The FAAN boss also outlined the Ministry of Aviation’s strategic interventions aimed at bolstering air cargo trade, which include:
Expanding air cargo trade routes through partnerships with countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia, as well as agro-export collaborations with private and state governments.
Eliminating bottlenecks at airports to create a seamless operational environment for stakeholders.
Ensuring safety, security, and compliance across all airports to meet international standards.
She noted that these efforts align with the vision of the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, who established the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.
Key Gains of the Single Window Initiative
Mrs Kuku underscored the far-reaching benefits of the Single Window initiative, including:
Efficiency – Accelerated trade processes at cargo terminals, reducing delays and optimising operations.
Transparency – Real-time tracking and updates to foster trust and accountability among stakeholders.
Cost Savings – Reduction in delays, prevention of revenue leakages, and a significant drop in storage and operational costs.
Regulatory Compliance – Improved adherence to international trade standards, enhancing Nigeria’s global trade standing.
Stronger Global Partnerships – Strengthening Nigeria’s position in international trade by aligning with global best practices.
Despite these potential gains, Mrs Kuku acknowledged the challenges posed by fragmentation among agencies and reluctance to collaborate.
She warned that when individual interests overshadow collective progress, it creates barriers to success.
“No agency or stakeholder can succeed alone. It is through teamwork that we ensure sustainable progress. It is through collaboration that we unlock our true potential,” she asserted.
Concluding her address with a rallying call for action, Mrs Kuku urged stakeholders to embrace the Single Window initiative, not as a mere technological tool but as a transformative movement for efficiency, growth, and national prosperity.
“The time for decisive action is NOW! A successful implementation of this system will lead to increased trade volumes and greater revenue for all stakeholders. Let us cultivate a mindset that prioritises progress over individual interests,” she declared.
Mrs Kuku’s address set the tone for a renewed commitment among stakeholders to build an inclusive, efficient, and thriving trade ecosystem in Nigeria.
