The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported that its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme has significantly boosted revenue while streamlining trade operations, even as it suspended a newly certified participant for false cargo declarations. The initiative, aimed at rewarding compliant and low-risk traders, has proven to be a critical driver of both efficiency and fiscal growth.
According to the Service, the combined revenue from 51 certified AEO companies increased from ₦1.222 trillion prior to certification to ₦1.585 trillion, marking a ₦362.79 billion growth, equivalent to nearly 30 per cent. This contribution represents 21.77 per cent of NCS’s total revenue of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025. Deputy Comptroller and Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, highlighted that improved compliance and higher trade volumes also caused customs duties to rise by 85.66 per cent, reflecting the programme’s impact on legal trade.
The AEO initiative operates under the framework of the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework and provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. It offers expedited cargo processing, fewer inspections, and priority treatment for traders who consistently adhere to customs regulations, while encouraging a culture of transparency and accountability.
Monitoring data revealed that participating companies achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent, with individual performance ranging from 60 to 100 per cent. The evaluation process, which followed strict protocols to ensure accuracy and transparency, further underscores the alignment of the programme with international trade standards.
Beyond revenue, the programme has dramatically enhanced trade efficiency. Average cargo clearance times were reduced from 168 hours to 41 hours, a 75.6 per cent decrease, while company operating costs fell by 57.2 per cent. Demurrage fees dropped by 90 per cent, curbing capital outflows to foreign port service providers and strengthening local foreign exchange retention. Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent due to digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management.
The NCS also praised nine firms, including Coleman Technical Industries, WACOT Rice, PZ Cussons, and MTN Nigeria, for voluntarily remitting over ₦1 billion into the Federation Account following self-initiated audits. These actions demonstrate a growing commitment to post-clearance compliance and responsible business practices.
However, the Service confirmed a breach involving a newly certified AEO operator that falsified consignment declarations. In response, Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi ordered the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO certification, in line with programme guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework, and Section 112 of the Customs Service Act.
Launched globally after 2001 under the WCO SAFE Framework, the AEO programme fosters trust between customs authorities and traders, promoting secure and efficient trade. Nigeria plans to expand the initiative, including mutual recognition agreements with other customs administrations, enabling certified operators to enjoy similar privileges abroad, boosting exports, regional integration, and the country’s competitiveness in international trade.
