Customs Revenue from AEO Programme Surges by 29.7% to Hit N1.58 Trillion
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a significant financial boost, announcing that revenue generated through its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme surged by 29.68 percent, jumping from N1.22 trillion before certification to an impressive N1.58 trillion post-certification.
This growth, amounting to an additional N362.79 billion, was generated by the 51 entities that were AEO-certified as of October 27, 2025. The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed the figures in a statement released on Thursday.
He noted that the initiative has become a critical revenue driver for the service, contributing 21.77 percent to the total customs revenue collection of N7.28 trillion in 2025.
“The NCS wishes to inform the public of the significant revenue and trade facilitation milestone achieved under the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, with revenue increasing from N1.22tn before certification to N1.58tn after certification, reflecting a growth of N362bn (29.68 per cent) for the 51 AEO-certified entities as of 27 October 2025,” Maiwada stated.
Beyond revenue generation, the AEO programme has drastically improved trade facilitation and operational efficiency at the ports.
Maiwada pointed out that the average cargo clearance time for participating companies plummeted from 168 hours to just 41 hours, representing a massive 75 percent reduction in time spent.
“Company operating costs declined by 57 per cent, while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.
“Overall, trade efficiency improved by 77 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management,” he explained.
Maiwada also highlighted a growing culture of transparency among operators. He commended several companies, including MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, and WACOT Rice Limited, among others, for voluntarily remitting over N1 billion into the Federation Account following self-initiated transaction reviews.
However, the customs spokesperson warned that the service will not tolerate abuses of the system. He disclosed that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, recently ordered the immediate suspension of a newly certified AEO company that was caught making false declarations of consignments.
“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established,” Maiwada warned.
The AEO programme is a globally recognized trade facilitation initiative introduced by the NCS to certify trusted businesses, such as importers, exporters, and logistics firms, based on their strict adherence to customs rules, supply chain security, and financial reliability.
