NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW PLATFORM AND INTEGRATED BORDER RISK MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract The study rated the National Single Window (NSW) against its role in inter-agency coordination, information-sharing and the performance of Nigeria's borders in terms of its role in integrated border risk management. A quantitative survey yielded 198 valid questionnaires from 240 distributed, and a qualitative survey was conducted through interviews and focus group discussions until thematic saturation was reached. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively to summarize findings, and through correlation analysis and multiple regression. The results showed that while the NSW has advanced the digitalization of border administration, its potential as a platform to integrate risk management systems is only partially realized. The results of the quantitative and qualitative assessments indicated that, despite progress made in the exchange of electronic information and administrative effectiveness, interoperability, coordination of risk assessment, and collaboration among institutions remain weak points. Also, the regression analysis revealed that, there exists a border risk management technology-governance relationship. The ability of the NSW to produce a positive effect on the performance of the border was statistically significant. Still, inter-agency coordination was identified as the most influential determining factor in achieving good outcomes. The study also found some institutional factors that hamper the effectiveness of the NSW. The lack of inter-agency coordination, interoperability between agency information systems, poor data-sharing, mistrust of agencies and lack of capacity remain barriers to collaborative decision-making and integrated risk assessment. Based on the findings, it was suggested that, increasing digital infrastructure capacity should be followed by strengthening institutional integration, which is the priority. Investments in information technology remain relevant in border security will be achieved through interoperable information systems, harmonized risk assessment methods, and formalized inter-agency collaboration. The National Single Window should therefore be developed as an environment in which information can be shared and intelligence exchanged in real time, with the exchange of coordinated risk information. Keywords: Agency coordination, Border security, Integrated, Risk management, Single window.