The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a ₦362.79 billion revenue increase under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, highlighting improved compliance, faster cargo clearance and stronger post-clearance audit mechanisms.
According to statement by the National Public Relations officer, Deputy Controller of Custom, Abdullahi Maiwada in Abuja, revenue generated by the 51 AEO-certified entities rose from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion after certification as of October 27, 2025 representing a 29.68 per cent increase. The AEO Programme accounted for 21.77 per cent of the NCS’s total ₦7.281 trillion revenue collection in 2025.
The Service also reported that customs duties paid by participating companies increased by 85.66 per cent, attributed to enhanced compliance and higher volumes of legitimate trade.
Compliance and Standards
An AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report showed an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent among certified operators, with the highest compliance recorded at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
The evaluation process, according to Customs, was conducted using rigorous methodologies to ensure transparency and alignment with the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Faster Clearance, Lower Costs
In the area of trade facilitation, the AEO Programme significantly reduced cargo clearance time from an average of 168 hours to 41 hours — 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. The Service said this reduction helped limit capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and improved foreign exchange retention.
Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures and targeted risk management.
Companies Commended for Voluntary Remittances
The Service commended several companies for voluntarily remitting over ₦1 billion into the Federation Account following internal transaction reviews and disclosures. 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
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc
The NCS said the voluntary disclosures reflect a strengthening compliance culture and the effectiveness of its post-clearance audit system.
AEO Status Suspended Over False Declaration
Despite the programme’s gains, the Service disclosed that it had identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company accused of false declaration of consignments.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ordered the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in line with 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 built on trust, transparency and continuous compliance. It assured that compliant operators will continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspections, while sanctions will be applied where violations occur.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade and maintaining the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.
Discover more from Inside Abuja Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
