The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially launched the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) programme, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and reducing clearance times for compliant businesses.
Speaking at the launch event on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the significance of the initiative in fostering trust, security, and efficiency in trade operations.
“This partnership is built on mutual trust between Customs authorities and business entities, offering reciprocal benefits through official recognition of reliable business partners. Maintaining trusted operator status requires continuous investment in compliance and security measures,” CGC Adeniyi stated.
He noted that the pilot phase, which commenced on April 15, 2024, had yielded impressive results, with the six participating companies recording a surge in trade value from NGN 185.8 billion in 2023 to NGN 563.8 billion in 2024.
Reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to efficiency and security, CGC Adeniyi added:
“As we fully implement the AEO programme today, our dedication to efficiency, security, and prosperity remains unwavering. The early success of our pilot phase has shown that we can achieve—and surpass—our targets, setting new benchmarks for trade facilitation in Africa.”
He further announced that the AEO portal would open on February 17, 2025, for eligible importers, exporters, terminal operators, logistics companies, customs brokers, and freight forwarders that have demonstrated compliance with trade regulations.
In her welcome address, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) for Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, underscored the programme’s economic impact.
“The AEO programme will not only improve port efficiency but also attract investment, reduce costs, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market,” she stated, urging stakeholders to support the initiative for national economic growth.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the six pilot AEO companies. The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the NCS for the recognition and pledged to uphold transparency and compliance in their trade activities.
The launch of the AEO programme mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to streamline trade processes, boost investor confidence, and strengthen its position in the global supply chain.
