…Defaulters suspended
SAT FEB 21 2026-theGBJournal| Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) scored record revenue and trade facilitation milestone under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, with revenue rising from N1.222 trillion before certification to N1.585 trillion after certification, according to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) report.
This reflects a growth of N362.79 billion (29.68%) for AEO-certified entities as at October27 2025.
The report said the programme also contributed 21.77% to NCS’s total revenue collection of N7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 88.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
The Programme also achieved an average Compliance rate of 85.45%, with the highest at 100% and the lowest at 60%.
The evaluation, according to the report, applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
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 77.11% through digitalization, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management.
The programmes partners, Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT ltd, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc were commended by the Service for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over 1 billion into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.
”These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance withing the trading community,” the report noted.
Despite the 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 Comptoller-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 reiterated 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 violation are established,” the NCS warned, while reiterating its resolve in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.
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