The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a ₦362.79 billion revenue increase under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, reflecting significant gains in trade facilitation and compliance among certified companies.
According to a statement signd by the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, revenue generated by the 51 AEO-certified entities rose from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion after certification 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 participating companies also increased by 85.66 per cent, attributed to improved compliance and higher volumes of legitimate trade.
An AEO Monitoring and Evaluation Report showed that the programme recorded an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent, with the highest compliance at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
The Service noted that the assessment was conducted using rigorous methodologies aligned with the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
In terms of trade facilitation, the NCS said average cargo clearance time for AEO participants dropped from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.6 per cent reduction. Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent, while demurrage payments fell by 90 per cent.
The Service said the reduction in demurrage helped curb 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 Service also commended several companies for voluntary remittances exceeding ₦1 billion into the Federation Account following internal transaction reviews and disclosures.
The companies include 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.
The NCS described the voluntary disclosures as evidence of strengthened post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of compliance within the trading community.
However, the Service disclosed that it had identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company accused of false declaration of consignments, contrary to programme requirements. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ordered the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in line with the AEO Guidelines, the World Customs Organisation 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 sustained compliance, stressing that while compliant operators will continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspections, sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
The Service affirmed its commitment to safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade and maintaining the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.
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