The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a significant revenue increase from its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, with earnings rising from N1.22tn before certification to N1.58tn after certification. This represents a growth of N362.79bn, or 29.68 per cent, for the 51 AEO-certified entities as of 27 October 2025.
The National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed the figures in a statement on Thursday, noting that the programme contributed 21.77 per cent to the service’s total revenue collection of N7.28tn in 2025. Customs duties paid by AEO-certified firms also increased by 85.66 per cent, reflecting enhanced compliance and higher volumes of legitimate trade.
According to Maiwada, the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation Report revealed an average compliance rate of 85 per cent among certified firms, with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent. The evaluation followed rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework of Standards and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
In terms of trade facilitation, AEO participation has reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, a 75 per cent time saving.
Operating costs for companies declined by 57 per cent, while demurrage payments fell by 90 per cent, curbing capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and boosting foreign exchange retention.
Overall trade efficiency improved by 77 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management.
Maiwada commended companies including Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, 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 self-initiated transaction reviews and disclosures.
These actions reflect strengthened post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
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Despite the achievements, the NCS identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company that submitted false consignment declarations.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in line with the AEO Guidelines, WCO SAFE Framework, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Maiwada emphasised that the AEO programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.
Compliant operators continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspections, while appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
The AEO programme certifies trusted businesses in the international supply chain, including importers, exporters, logistics firms, customs brokers, and freight handlers, based on adherence to customs rules, supply chain security practices, and financial reliability.
It aligns Nigeria’s trade processes with global best practices under the WCO SAFE Framework.