AEO PROGRAMME BOOSTS REVENUE BY N362BN, CUTS CARGO CLEARANCE TIME – CUSTOMS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme recorded a revenue increase from N1.22tn before certification to N1.58tn after certification, representing a growth of N362.79bn or 29.68 per cent.
The service disclosed that the figure covers 51 AEO-certified entities as of October 27, 2025.
In a statement released on Thursday, the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the programme contributed 21.77 per cent to the service’s total revenue collection of N7.28tn in 2025. He added that customs duties paid by participating firms rose by 85.66 per cent, driven by enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
“The NCS wishes to inform the public of the significant revenue and trade facilitation milestone achieved under the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, with revenue increasing from N1.22tn before certification to N1.58tn after certification, reflecting a growth of N362bn (29.68 per cent) for the 51 AEO-certified entities as of 27 October 2025,” Maiwada stated.
According to the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation Report, the programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85 per cent, with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
Maiwada noted that the evaluation adopted rigorous methodologies to ensure transparency and alignment with the World Customs Organization 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, reflecting a 75 per cent time saving. Company operating costs declined by 57 per cent, while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent. Overall trade efficiency improved by 77 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 voluntarily remitting over N1bn into the Federation Account following internal transaction reviews and disclosures.
Maiwada said the development reflects stronger post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance.
However, he revealed that a recently certified AEO company was found to have engaged in false declaration of consignments, contrary to programme obligations.
Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in line with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
He stressed that while compliant operators would continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspections, appropriate sanctions would be applied where violations are established.
The AEO programme is a compliance-based trade facilitation initiative introduced by the NCS to certify trusted businesses in the international supply chain, including importers, exporters, logistics firms and customs brokers, in line with global best practices under the WCO SAFE Framework.
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