Customs AEO programme hits ₦1.585trn, cuts clearance time by 76% as CGC suspends erring firm
Maureen Aguta
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a major revenue and trade facilitation breakthrough under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, recording a ₦362.79 billion increase in collections from certified operators while tightening compliance through enforcement measures, including the suspension of a defaulting company.
According to official figures, revenue generated by the 51 AEO-certified entities rose from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion after certification as at October 27, 2025 — representing a 29.68 per cent growth. The scheme accounted for 21.77 per cent of the Service’s total revenue of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid surged by 85.66 per cent, driven by stronger compliance and higher volumes of legitimate trade.
An internal monitoring and evaluation report showed the programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent, with performance ranging between 60 per cent and full compliance.
The assessment, the Service said, followed strict evaluation methodologies aligned with the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework of Standards and provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
On trade facilitation, the impact has been significant. Average cargo clearance time dropped sharply from 168 hours to 41 hours — a 75.6 per cent reduction — while participating companies recorded a 57.2 per cent decline in operating costs. Demurrage payments fell by 90 per cent, helping to curb capital flight to foreign port service providers and improve foreign exchange retention.
Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures and enhanced risk management.
The Service also commended several major operators for demonstrating voluntary compliance through post-clearance reviews that resulted in remittances exceeding ₦1 billion into the Federation Account.
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 and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.
Customs said the voluntary disclosures underscore the strengthening of post-clearance audit processes and growing trust between the Service and compliant operators.
However, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has ordered the immediate suspension of a recently certified AEO company over false declaration of consignments, describing the breach as a violation of programme obligations and statutory provisions.
The Service stressed that the AEO framework is built on trust, transparency and continuous compliance, noting that while compliant operators will continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspections, sanctions will be applied where infractions occur.
Customs reaffirmed its commitment to protecting government revenue, facilitating legitimate trade and maintaining the global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.