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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a major revenue surge under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, recording a N362.79 billion increase among certified companies while suspending one operator over compliance violations.
According to its Spokesman, DC Abdullahi Maiwada, revenue generated by 51 AEO-certified entities rose from N1.222 trillion before certification to N1.585 trillion after certification as of October 27, 2025, representing a 29.68 per cent growth. The programme contributed 21.77 per cent to the NCS’s total 2025 revenue collection of N7.281 trillion.
Customs duties paid by participating companies also climbed sharply by 85.66 per cent, a development the Service attributed to improved compliance levels and higher volumes of legitimate trade facilitated under the scheme.
An AEO Monitoring and Evaluation report showed an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent among certified operators, with some companies achieving full compliance at 100 per cent, while the lowest recorded stood at 60 per cent. The evaluation process, the Service said, was conducted using rigorous and transparent methodologies aligned with the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Beyond revenue growth, the programme has significantly enhanced trade facilitation. Average cargo clearance time dropped from 168 hours to 41 hours, a 75.60 per cent reduction, while company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent. Demurrage payments also fell by 90 per cent, reducing capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.
Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent, driven by digitalisation, simplified customs procedures, and targeted risk management strategies introduced under the AEO framework.
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The Service commended several companies for voluntary remittances exceeding N1 billion into the Federation Account following self-initiated transaction reviews and disclosures. The firms 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 disclosures as evidence of strengthened post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within Nigeria’s trading community.
However, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ordered the immediate suspension of a recently certified AEO company found to have engaged in false declaration of consignments, contrary to programme obligations. The action was taken in line with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Reiterating its stance, the Service said the AEO Programme is anchored on trust, transparency and continuous compliance. While compliant operators will continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspection, violations will attract firm sanctions.
The NCS affirmed its commitment to safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade and preserving the credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework on the global stage.
