After certification, Customs revenue from AEO firms rises from 29.7% to N1.6tn
The Nigeria Customs Service has announced that the Authorised Economic Operator programme recorded a revenue rise from N1.22tn before certification to N1.58tn after certification, reflecting a growth of N362.79bn, representing a 29.68 per cent increase.
The service added that the figure was for the 51 AEO-certified entities as of 27 October 2025.
The National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday.
Maiwada stressed that the programme also contributed 21.77 per cent to the service’s total revenue collection of N7.28tn in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66 per cent due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
“The NCS wishes to inform the public of the significant revenue and trade facilitation milestone achieved under the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, with revenue increasing from N1.22tn before certification to N1.58tn after certification, reflecting a growth of N362bn (29.68 per cent) for the 51 AEO-certified entities as of 27 October 2025,” Maiwada stated.
Maiwada explained that, according to the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation Report, the programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85 per cent, with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
He emphasised that the evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The PRO pointed out that in the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75 per cent time saving.
“Company operating costs declined by 57 per cent, while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention. Overall, trade efficiency improved by 77 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management,” he said.
“The service commends 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 N1bn into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure,” he added.
He said that these actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
The PRO maintained that, notwithstanding these gains, the service identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company that engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to the programme obligations.
He stated that, consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, 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.
He reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.
“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established,” he warned.
He reiterated that the service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework.
The AEO programme is a compliance-based trade facilitation initiative introduced by the NCS that certifies trusted businesses in the international supply chain, such as importers, exporters, logistics firms, customs brokers, and freight handlers, based on their adherence to customs rules, supply chain security practices, and financial reliability.
It aligns Nigeria’s trade processes with global best practices under the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework of Standards.
