The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded significant gains in revenue generation and trade facilitation under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, with certified companies contributing a ₦362.79 billion increase in revenue.
According to the Service, revenue from AEO-certified entities rose from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion after certification, representing a 29.68 per cent growth.
As of 27 October 2025, the 51 certified operators contributed 21.77 per cent of the NCS’s total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025. Customs duties paid by the companies also surged by 85.66 per cent, attributed to improved compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
An AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report revealed an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent among certified operators, with compliance levels ranging between 60 and 100 per cent.
The evaluation was conducted using methodologies aligned with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
In terms of trade facilitation, the Programme reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60 per cent time saving.
Participating companies also recorded a 57.2 per cent reduction in operating costs, while demurrage payments declined by 90 per cent, helping to curb capital flight and improve foreign exchange retention.
Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management.
The NCS commended several companies, including 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 to the Federation Account following self-initiated transaction reviews.
However, the Service disclosed that a recently certified AEO company was found to have engaged in false declaration of consignments, leading to the immediate suspension of its AEO status on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The action was taken in line with AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reaffirmed that the AEO Programme is built on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance, stressing that while compliant operators will continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspections, violations will attract sanctions.
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