The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a major revenue and trade facilitation milestone under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, with participating companies recording a combined revenue increase of ₦362.79 billion.
According to the Service, revenue generated by the 51 AEO-certified entities rose from ₦1.222 trillion prior to certification to ₦1.585 trillion as of October 27, 2025 — representing a 29.68 per cent growth. The programme accounted for 21.77 per cent of the NCS’s total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025. Customs duties paid by the certified operators also increased by 85.66 per cent, driven by improved compliance and higher volumes of legitimate trade.
An AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report shows that the programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent, with some operators attaining 100 per cent compliance, while the lowest recorded 60 per cent. The evaluation process, the Service noted, was conducted using rigorous and transparent methodologies in line with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Beyond revenue performance, the AEO Programme significantly enhanced trade facilitation outcomes. Average cargo clearance time dropped from 168 hours to 41 hours — a 75.60 per cent reduction. Participating companies also recorded a 57.2 per cent decline in operating costs, while demurrage payments fell by 90 per cent. The Service said this reduction has curtailed capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthened foreign exchange retention. Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management.
The NCS 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 ₦1 billion into the Federation Account.
The remittances followed self-initiated transaction reviews and disclosures by the companies, reflecting strengthened post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
However, the Service disclosed that it identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company found to have engaged in false declaration of consignments in violation of programme obligations. Consequently, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is anchored on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance. While compliant operators will continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspections, the Service emphasised that sanctions will be applied where violations occur.
Customs reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.