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.
The increase of ₦362.79 billion represents a 29.68 per cent growth recorded by the 51 AEO-certified entities as of October 27, 2025.
The Programme also accounted for 21.77 per cent of the Service’s total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid surged by 85.66 per cent due to 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 compliance level at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent. The evaluation adopted rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity and transparency, aligning 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, participation in the AEO scheme 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, limiting 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 strategies introduced under the Programme.
The Service commended several participating companies, including 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 cumulatively remitting over ₦1 billion into the Federation Account following self-initiated transaction reviews and voluntary disclosures. The Service noted that these actions reflect strengthened post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
Despite the achievements, the NCS disclosed that it identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company that engaged in false declaration of consignments, contrary to programme obligations. Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in line with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The Service reiterated that the AEO Programme is anchored on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance. It assured that while compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspections, appropriate sanctions will be imposed where violations are established.
The statement was signed by Abdullahi Maiwada, Deputy Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer.
