The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed that its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme has recorded revenue increase from N1.222 trillion before certification to N1.585 trillion after certification.

This, according to Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, reflects a growth of N362.79 billion (29.68 per cent) for the 51 AEO-certified entities as at October 27, 2025. The Programme also contributed 21.77 per cent to NCS’s total revenue collection of N7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66 per cent due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

Maiwada quoted the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, saying the programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent, with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent. The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

In the area of trade facilitation, he said the AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60 per cent time saving. Company operating costs declined by 57.2 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 77.11 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management.

Notwithstanding the gains, he said the Service identified a compliance breach involving a recently certified AEO company that engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.

Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has 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.