The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a significant revenue and trade facilitation milestone under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, with revenue rising from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion after certification — a growth of ₦362.79 billion (29.68%) for the 51 AEO-certified entities as of 27 October 2025.
According to the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, DCC Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, the Programme contributed 21.77 per cent to the Service’s total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid increased by 85.66 per cent, reflecting enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
According to the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent, with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent. The evaluation adopted rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
In terms of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60 per cent time saving. Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent, while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent — curbing capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention. Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management.
The Service commended Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over ₦1 billion into the Federation Account following self-initiated transaction reviews and disclosures. The Service noted that these actions underscore the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and the growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
However, notwithstanding these achievements, the Service identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company that engaged in false declaration of consignments in violation of programme obligations. Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is anchored on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance. While compliant operators will continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.
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