The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a major revenue and trade facilitation milestone under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, recording a revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion among certified companies.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada,National Public Relations Officer, the Service disclosed that revenue generated by 51 AEO-certified entities rose from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion after certification as of October 27, 2025, representing a 29.68 per cent increase. The Programme also accounted for 21.77 per cent of the NCS’s total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid increased by 85.66 per cent due to improved compliance and higher volumes of legitimate trade.
According to the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent, with participating companies recording compliance levels ranging between 60 and 100 per cent. The evaluation followed rigorous methodologies aligned with the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The Service further noted significant improvements in trade facilitation, as average cargo clearance time dropped from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60 per cent reduction. Operating costs for participating companies declined by 57.2 per cent, while demurrage payments fell by 90 per cent, helping to reduce capital flight and enhance foreign exchange retention. Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management measures.
The NCS commended several companies including 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 self-initiated transaction reviews and disclosures. The Service described the action as evidence of strengthened post-clearance audit processes and growing voluntary compliance within the trading community.
However, the Service also revealed a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company accused of false declaration of consignments, contrary to programme obligations. Acting on the development, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ordered the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in line with programme guidelines, international 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, stressing that while compliant operators will continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspection, sanctions will be imposed on violators.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and maintaining the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.
