The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially launched the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) programme to enhance trade facilitation and reduce clearance times.
Speaking at the event held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi highlighted the crucial role of trust and collaboration in the programme’s success.
Adeniyi, said the partnership is built on mutual trust between Customs authorities and business entities, offering reciprocal benefits through official recognition of reliable business partners while maintaining trusted operator status requires continuous investment in compliance and security measures.
He noted that the pilot phase, which began on 15 April 2024, had been highly successful, adding that the six pilot AEO companies demonstrated remarkable growth, with their collective trade value soaring from185.8 billion naira in 2023 to 563.8 billion naira in 2024.
Reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to efficiency and security, CGC Adeniyi stated, as they have fully implement the AEO programme, their dedication to efficiency, security, and prosperity remains unwavering.
He said that the early success of their pilot phase has shown that they can achieve and surpass targets, setting new benchmarks for trade facilitation in Africa.
The CGC, further announced that the AEO portal will open on 17 February 2025 for eligible importers, exporters, terminal operators, logistics companies, customs brokers, and freight forwarders that have demonstrated compliance.
In her welcome address, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) for Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, stressed the programme’s significance, noting that the AEO programme will not only improve port efficiency but also attract investment, reduce costs, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market while urging stakeholders to support the initiative for national benefit.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the six pilot AEO companies.
