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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially launched the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme to enhance trade facilitation and reduce cargo clearance times at the nation’s seaports.
The launch followed a successful pilot phase in April 2024 involving six companies.
The programme is a significant milestone in its efforts to modernise trade facilitation, ease the cost of doing business and enhance supply chain security.
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Speaking at the event in Lagos, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the crucial role of trust and collaboration in the programme’s success.
The CGC revealed that the AEO registration portal, which will open officially on February 17 for eligible companies, started with the pilot phase in April 2024, and that the collective trade value of the six participating companies increased from N185.8 billion in 2023 to N563.8 billion in 2024.
“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,” the CGC stated.
He noted that the pilot phase, which began on April 15, 2024, had been highly successful.
The six pilot AEO companies, he disclosed, demonstrated remarkable growth, with their collective trade value soaring from NGN 185.8 billion in 2023 to NGN 563.8 billion in 2024.
On the programme’s impact on operational efficiency, Adeniyi said, “We set an ambitious target to reduce clearance time from 168 hours to 48 hours. By December 31, 2024, our AEO-certified companies were achieving an average release time of 43 hours – surpassing our target by 5 hours.
“This represents a remarkable 66.9% reduction in cargo clearance time compared to the pre-AEO status of five days and significantly outperforms the 7-day clearance period required for regular Economic Operators (EOS).
“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.”
In her welcome address, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) for Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said the AEO programme “will not only improve port efficiency but also attract investment, reduce costs, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market,” 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. They expressed gratitude to the NCS for the recognition and pledged to remain compliant and transparent.
The companies which got the certification include Lelook Nigeria Limited, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, 11PLC (formerly Mobil Oil Nig. Plc) and First Class Refreshment Limited.
Others are Huawei Technology Company Nigeria Limited and Ideal Royal Crown Logistics Limited.
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