The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, highlighting improved compliance, faster cargo clearance, and increased voluntary remittances by participating companies.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the revenue generated by the 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 Service disclosed that the AEO Programme contributed 21.77 per cent to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid by participating entities increased by 85.66 per cent due to stronger compliance and higher volumes of legitimate trade.
Maiwada explained that the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation Report recorded an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent among certified companies, with some achieving full compliance. He noted that the evaluation process adhered to international standards, including the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework and provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Beyond revenue gains, the programme significantly enhanced trade facilitation by reducing average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.6 per cent reduction. Operating costs for participating companies also declined by 57.2 per cent, while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, helping to reduce capital flight and improve foreign exchange retention.
Overall, trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent, driven by digitalisation, simplified procedures, and improved risk management mechanisms.
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 ₦1 billion into the Federation Account after conducting internal transaction reviews and disclosures.
Maiwada said the voluntary remittances reflected strengthened post-clearance audit systems and growing compliance within the trading community.
However, the Service disclosed that it had suspended the AEO status of a recently certified company for false declaration of consignments, describing the action as necessary to uphold the integrity of the programme.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the suspension in line with the AEO Guidelines, the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The Customs Service reiterated that the AEO Programme is built on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance, assuring that compliant operators would continue to benefit from faster clearance and reduced inspections, while defaulters would face appropriate sanctions.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and maintaining the credibility of Nigeria’s customs system.
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