•Cuts clearance time by 75.6%
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said N1.585 trillion was generated from 51 companies under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme.

According to the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the amount generated after certification was a significant increase from N1.222 trillion recorded before the companies were admitted into the programme, reflecting a revenue growth of 29.68 per cent as at October 27, 2025.

The report made available yesterday by the National Public Relations Officer, Dr Abdullahi Maiwada, said the programme accounted for 21.77 per cent of the service’s revenue collection of N7.281 trillion in 2025.

Customs duties paid rose by 85.66 per cent, driven by enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

The report noted that 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.

According to the report, the evaluation followed 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.

The report stated that the AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.6 per cent time saving, while companies’ operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent.

The service added that demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.

The programme, according to the NCS, saw overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures and targeted risk management.

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.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Dr Bashir 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.

According to the Service, the voluntary disclosures reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.

The NCS stressed that, while the AEO Programme was founded on trust, transparency and continuous compliance, compliant operators will continue to enjoy expedited clearance and reduced inspection.

The NCS noted that appropriate sanctions would be applied where violations occur.