The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expanded the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme to include manufacturers, logistics companies, and agricultural firms.
The expansion aims to accommodate more players in the maritime industry, thereby enhancing trade facilitation and boosting the country’s economic growth.
Speaking at the launch of the AEO programme in Lagos, Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the significance of the initiative, nothing that the programme is designed to establish Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) with customs administrations worldwide, ensuring smoother cross-border trade.
He stated: “Certified operators will benefit from streamlined customs procedures, reduced physical inspections, and priority treatment during clearance.” Adewale added that the initiative not only benefits the private sector but also enhances the NCS’s risk management capabilities and resource allocation efficiency.
Adeniyi also explained that the AEO program, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO), certifies companies that comply with globally recognized supply chain security standards.
“This program represents a shift from traditional, transaction-based customs controls to a more comprehensive, compliance-driven approach.
“The success of our pilot phase, which commenced in April 2023, has been remarkable.”
According to the Comptroller-General, six pilot AEO companies recorded significant growth, with collective trade value soaring to N653.8 billion in 2024 from N185 billion in 2023. Correspondingly, customs revenue from these companies increased from N18.4 billion to N51.1 billion, contributing to the overall revenue surge from N3.2 trillion to N6.1 trillion within the same period.
