By Adeyemi David
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major revenue and trade facilitation breakthrough under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, with revenue generated by certified entities rising from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion after certification.
This represents an increase of ₦362.79 billion, or 29.68 per cent growth, for the 51 AEO-certified companies as of October 27, 2025.
According to the Service, the AEO Programme accounted for 21.77 per cent of its total ₦7.281 trillion revenue collection in 2025.
Customs duties paid by participating entities also surged by 85.66 per cent, a development attributed to enhanced compliance levels and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
An AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report showed that the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent, with the highest compliance level at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
The evaluation was conducted using methodologies aligned 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, the NCS disclosed that average cargo clearance time for AEO participants dropped significantly from 168 hours to 41 hours, reflecting a 75.60 per cent reduction.
Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent, while demurrage payments fell by 90 per cent, helping to curb capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and improve foreign exchange retention.
Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management strategies.
The Service also commended several AEO-certified companies for demonstrating voluntary compliance.
These include 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 collectively remitting over ₦1 billion into the Federation Account following self-initiated transaction reviews and disclosures.
The NCS said the voluntary remittances underscore the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and the growing culture of transparency within the trading community.
However, the Service disclosed that it had identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company that engaged in false declaration of consignments, contrary to programme obligations.
As a result, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ordered the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in line with AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Reaffirming its commitment to integrity, the NCS stressed that the AEO Programme is built on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.
While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspections, the Service warned that sanctions would be strictly applied where violations are established.
Signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the statement emphasised that the NCS remains resolute in protecting national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and upholding the global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.
