The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially launched the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) programme, a major trade facilitation initiative aimed at reducing cargo clearance times at the nation’s seaports, and appointed six AEO pilottees.
Speaking at the high-profile event held at Victoria Island, on Friday, February 14th 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised the importance of trust and collaboration in the success of the programme.
“This partnership is built on mutual trust between Customs authorities and business entities, offering reciprocal benefits through official recognition of reliable business partners. Maintaining trusted operator status requires continuous investment in compliance and security measures,” CGC Adeniyi stated.
The initiative follows a highly successful pilot phase launched on 15 April 2024.
Over the course of the trial, the six pilot AEO companies saw their collective trade value soar from ₦185.8 billion in 2023 to an impressive ₦563.8 billion in 2024.
Reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to efficiency and security, CGC Adeniyi declared: “As we fully implement the AEO programme today, our dedication to efficiency, security, and prosperity remains unwavering. The early success of our pilot phase has shown that we can achieve—and surpass—our targets, setting new benchmarks for trade facilitation in Africa.”
To further expand the programme’s reach, the CGC announced that the AEO portal will open on 17 February 2025, inviting more applications from eligible importers, exporters, terminal operators, logistics companies, customs brokers, and freight forwarders that have demonstrated compliance with regulatory requirements.
Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) for Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, also underscored the strategic importance of the initiative.
“The AEO programme will not only improve port efficiency but also attract investment, reduce costs, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market,” she stated, calling on stakeholders to support the initiative for national economic growth.
A key highlight of the event was the formal recognition of the six pilot AEO companies, which were presented with certificates in appreciation of their compliance and commitment to transparency.
The companies include Lelook Nigeria Ltd, FrieslandCampina WAMCO PLC, 11 PLC, First Class Refreshments Ltd, Huawei and Ideal Royal Crown Logistics Ltd.
The representatives of the companies expressed their gratitude to the NCS and pledged to uphold the highest standards of trade integrity.
With the full rollout of the AEO programme, Nigeria takes a significant step towards creating a more seamless and secure trade environment, reinforcing its position as a key player in the global market.