The country’s push to decongest ports and accelerate legitimate trade is yielding measurable results, with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reporting that its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme has cut cargo clearance time by more than 75 per cent while generating N1.585 trillion in revenue from compliant operators.
Data released by the Service showed that average cargo clearance time for AEO-certified companies dropped from 168 hours to 41 hours, a 75.6 per cent reduction, marking one of the most significant improvements in Nigeria’s port efficiency metrics in recent years.
The operational gains translated into strong fiscal outcomes. Revenue collected from 51 AEO-certified companies rose from N1.222 trillion before certification to N1.585 trillion as at October 27, 2025, representing a N362.79 billion increase or 29.68 per cent growth.
The AEO scheme contributed 21.77 per cent of Customs’ total revenue haul of N7.281 trillion in 2025.
Customs duties paid by the certified operators surged by 85.66 per cent, a development the Service attributed to improved compliance, enhanced transparency and increased volumes of legitimate trade flowing through Nigeria’s ports and borders.
An internal Monitoring and Evaluation report indicated that the programme recorded an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent, with performance levels ranging between 60 per cent and full compliance.
The assessment was carried out using evaluation standards aligned with the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Beyond clearance speed, the Service said AEO operators experienced a 57.2 per cent reduction in operating costs, while demurrage payments declined by as much as 90 per cent.
Customs noted that the sharp drop in demurrage has helped curb capital flight to foreign port service providers and improved foreign exchange retention within the local economy.
Overall trade efficiency under the programme improved by 77.11 per cent, driven by digitalised processes, simplified documentation requirements and strengthened risk management systems that allow Customs to focus enforcement resources on high-risk cargo.
The Service also reported progress in post-clearance compliance, with several AEO-certified companies making voluntary disclosures during audits. Customs said the disclosures resulted in remittances exceeding N1 billion into the Federation Account, underscoring the effectiveness of post-clearance audit mechanisms.
Among the companies cited for voluntary compliance were Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.
However, Customs stressed that trade facilitation under the AEO framework is matched by strict enforcement. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has since ordered the immediate suspension of a recently certified AEO company over false declaration of consignments.
The Service described the infraction as a breach of programme obligations and statutory provisions, noting that the AEO scheme is anchored on trust, transparency and continuous compliance.
Customs maintained that while compliant operators will continue to benefit from fast-track clearance and reduced inspections, the Service will not hesitate to withdraw privileges and apply sanctions where violations occur.
The NCS reaffirmed that the dual focus on facilitation and enforcement is central to its strategy of protecting government revenue, improving port competitiveness and sustaining the international credibility of Nigeria’s AEO Programme.
