AEO initiative yields increases as Customs cracks down on defaulters

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major revenue and trade facilitation milestone under its Authorised Economic Operator Programme, posting a ¦ 362.79 billion increase in revenue from participating firms.Revenue generated by AEO-certified entities rose from ¦ 1.222 trillion before certification to ¦ 1.585 trillion after certification, representing a 29.68 per cent growth for the 51 operators certified as of October last year.The programme accounted for 21.77 per cent of the NCS’s total revenue collection of ¦ 7.281 trillion in 2025.The Service, in a statement by Abdullahi Maiwada, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs and Spokesman for the Customs Service, attributed the strong performance to improved compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade, noting that customs duties paid by AEO operators surged by 85.66 per cent within the review period.He stated: “In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.“Company operating costs declined by 57.2%, while demurrage payments dropped by 90%, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention. Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11% through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management.“In a demonstration of strengthened corporate accountability, several leading companies have collectively paid over ¦ 1 billion into the Federation Account after independently reviewing their transactions and voluntarily disclosing outstanding obligations.”The Nigeria Customs Service acknowledged the gesture, describing it as a positive outcome of growing compliance culture encouraged by ongoing trade facilitation reforms. 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.According to the Service, the voluntary remittances followed self-initiated internal audits by the firms, underscoring the effectiveness of compliance-driven engagement and reinforcing confidence in the integrity of Nigeria’s customs and revenue administration framework.Notwithstanding these gains, the Service identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company that engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations. Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.The NCS reiterates that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance. While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established. The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.