by George Ozalla
The Nigeria Customs Service has recorded significant revenue growth and enhanced trade facilitation under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, with certified operators contributing an additional ₦362.79 billion in revenue. This represents a 29.68% increase from pre-certification levels, as revenue for the 51 AEO-certified entities rose from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion as at 27 October 2025. The programme contributed 21.77% to the Service’s total revenue of ₦7.281 trillion for 2025, while customs duties paid by participating companies rose by 85.66% due to improved compliance and higher volumes of legitimate trade.
According to the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation report, the programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45%, with individual performance ranging from 60% to 100%. The assessment applied rigorous methodologies in line with the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, to ensure transparency and objectivity.
The programme has also improved trade efficiency considerably. Average cargo clearance time for certified operators fell from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.6% reduction. Companies reported a 57.2% decline in operating costs and a 90% reduction in demurrage payments, curbing capital outflow to foreign port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention. Overall trade efficiency rose by 77.11% through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management.
The Service commended several companies, including Coleman Technical Industries, WACOT Rice, ROMSON Oil Field Services, Chi Farms, PZ Cussons, Nigerian Bottling Company, and MTN Nigeria Communications, for voluntarily remitting over a billion naira into the Federation Account after conducting self-initiated transaction reviews. These actions underscore the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
Notwithstanding these gains, a compliance breach was identified involving a recently certified AEO company that engaged in false declaration of consignments. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with programme guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The Customs Service emphasised that the AEO Programme is anchored on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance. While compliant operators continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspections, the Service affirmed that sanctions will be applied to those found in violation, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s AEO framework.
