AEO Programme Records ₦362.79bn Revenue Growth as Customs Suspends Defaulting Operator

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a significant revenue and trade facilitation milestone under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, reporting a ₦362.79 billion increase in revenue following certification of participating entities.
In a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer Comptroller-General of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, who stated that the Service, revenue generated from the 51 AEO-certified companies rose from ₦1.222 trillion before certification to ₦1.585 trillion after certification as of 27 October 2025 — representing a 29.68 per cent growth. The programme also accounted for 21.77 per cent of the NCS’s total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025. Customs duties paid by participating operators increased by 85.66 per cent, attributed to improved compliance and higher volumes of legitimate trade.
An AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) report indicated an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent among certified operators, with performance levels ranging between 60 per cent and 100 per cent. The evaluation, the Service said, was conducted using rigorous and transparent methodologies aligned with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
In terms of trade facilitation, the NCS disclosed that the programme reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours — a 75.60 per cent reduction. Operating costs for participating companies reportedly declined by 57.2 per cent, while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent. The Service noted that these gains have strengthened foreign exchange retention by limiting capital outflows to foreign port service providers. Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent, driven by digital processes, simplified procedures, and enhanced risk management.
The Customs Service also 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 one billion naira into the Federation Account following self-initiated transaction reviews and disclosures. The Service described the development as evidence of strengthened post-clearance audit systems and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
However, the NCS disclosed that it identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO operator that allegedly engaged in false declaration of consignments, contrary to programme requirements. In response, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR, ordered the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in line with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The Service reiterated that the AEO Programme is anchored on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance. It stated that while compliant operators will continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspection processes, sanctions will be enforced where violations are established. The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national revenue, promoting legitimate trade, and maintaining the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.