The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major revenue milestone under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, with customs duty paid rising by 85.66 per cent and total duty paid value climbing to ₦1.585 trillion from ₦1.222 trillion prior to certification.
The ₦362.79 billion increase represents a 29.68 per cent growth recorded by the 51 AEO-certified entities as at 27 October 2025. Collectively, the operators accounted for 21.77 per cent of the Service’s total ₦7.281 trillion revenue collection for 2025, underscoring the programme’s growing impact on national revenue performance.
According to the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation Report, the programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent, with top-performing companies recording 100 per cent compliance. The evaluation followed strict methodologies aligned with the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework of Standards and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Beyond revenue gains, the AEO framework delivered significant trade facilitation benefits. Average cargo clearance time dropped from 168 hours to 41 hours — a 75.60 per cent reduction.
Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent, while demurrage payments 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 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 following internal reviews and disclosures.
Customs said the action reflects strengthened post-clearance audit mechanisms and a maturing compliance culture among trusted traders.
However, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of a recently certified AEO company found to have engaged in false declaration of consignments, in line with AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Reaffirming its position, the NCS stressed that the AEO Programme is anchored on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance, assuring that while compliant operators will continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspections, appropriate sanctions will apply where violations occur.
The Service reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and maintaining the global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.
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