The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme recorded a revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion (29.68%) for the 51 AEO-certified entities as of October 27, 2025.
The revenue increased from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion after certification.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the Programme also contributed 21.77% to the NCS’s total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025.
“Customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade,” the statement said.
DC Maiwada referenced the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, revealing that the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45%, with the highest at 100% and the lowest at 60%.
He explained that the evaluation 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.
With reference to trade facilitation, Maiwada disclosed that the 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 by 77.11% through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management,” he stated.
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 a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.
It affirmed that the actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
The NCS stressed that amid the gains, it identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company that engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.
Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC 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 Service reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance, pointing out that while compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspections, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.