1. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a major revenue and trade facilitation breakthrough under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, recording a revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion among certified operators.
    According to the Service, revenue generated by 51 AEO-certified entities rose from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion after certification as at 27 October 2025, reflecting a 29.68 per cent increase. The Programme accounted for 21.77 per cent of the NCS’s total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid surged by 85.66 per cent, driven by enhanced compliance and increased legitimate trade volumes.
    An AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report revealed an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent among certified companies, with performance ranging between 60 per cent and 100 per cent. The assessment adopted rigorous methodologies to ensure transparency and alignment with the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
    In the area of trade facilitation, the Programme reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60 per cent time saving. Operating costs for participating companies declined by 57.2 per cent, while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, curbing capital flight to foreign port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention. Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management.
    The Service commended several AEO-certified firms — 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 following self-initiated transaction reviews and disclosures. The gesture, NCS noted, reflects stronger post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
    However, the Service disclosed a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company that engaged in false declaration of consignments, contrary to the Programme’s obligations. Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the firm’s AEO status in line with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
    Reaffirming its commitment to integrity and accountability, the NCS emphasised 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 maintained that strict sanctions will be applied where violations occur.
    The NCS reiterated its resolve to safeguard national revenue, facilitate legitimate trade, and uphold the global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.
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