Customs suspends defaulting AEO firm, commends compliant operators as programme generates ₦362.79bn revenue
By Uzor Odigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a major revenue and trade facilitation milestone under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme.
Revenue from the 51 AEO-certified entities rose from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion after certification, reflecting a growth of ₦362.79 billion—or 29.68%—as of October 27, 2025.
The programme contributed 21.77% to the NCS’s total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid by these entities increased by 85.66%, driven by enhanced compliance and higher volumes of legitimate trade.
According to the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45%, with the highest at 100% and the lowest at 60%. The evaluation employed rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
In terms of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours—a 75.60% time saving. Company operating costs fell by 57.2%, while demurrage payments dropped by 90%, curbing capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and bolstering foreign exchange retention. Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11% through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management.
The Service commended 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 after self-initiated transaction reviews and disclosures.
These actions demonstrate strengthened post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance among trading communities.
Despite these achievements, the Service identified a compliance breach by 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, PhD, MFR, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in line 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 built on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance. Compliant operators will continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspections, while established violations will attract appropriate sanctions.
The Service remains committed to safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and upholding the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.
