The managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has said that the Single Window trade initiative would be a pipe dream without collaboration among government’s agencies.
Kuku made the remark while delivering a keynote address at the National Single Window Stakeholders’ Forum held in Lagos.
The Single Window initiative is an innovative digital platform that seamlessly integrates government agencies, private stakeholders, and financial institutions.
The collaboration streamlines trade processes and eliminates the bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long hindered progress.
Analysing the benefits of the initiative which, according to her, include efficiency, transparency, cost saving, compliance and strengthening of global relationships, Kuku said the current fragmentation among agencies and reluctance to collaborate could impede progress.
“When individual interests take precedence over collective goals, it creates barriers. 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 added.
She said adopting the Single Window initiative should not be viewed merely as the introduction of a technological tool.
“It presents a unique opportunity for us to unite under a shared vision of efficiency, growth, and prosperity—for our nation and ourselves. 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.
“Together, we will explore the transformative potential of the Single Window initiative, which aims to enhance trade facilitation and position Nigeria as a powerhouse in the global economy,” she said.
The managing director also emphasised the critical role of aviation in global commerce.
She said air cargo, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), facilitates the transportation of goods worth over $8 trillion annually, accounting for about 33% of global trade by volume.
“With Nigeria’s immense potential in manpower, resources, and capacity, the Single Window initiative is pivotal in helping us capture a larger share of this global trade,” she said
Kuku said the importance of air cargo informed the establishment of the directorate of cargo development and services.
She explained that the directorate focuses on *enhancing air cargo trade volumes, particularly exports, through route development, including partnerships with Saudi Arabia and Russia, and fostering agro-export collaborations with private and state governments; streamlining operations by eliminating bottlenecks at our airports; creating a supportive and efficient environment for all stakeholders; and ensuring the safety, security, and compliance of stakeholders and cargo across all airports.
