By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated ₦1.585 trillion from 51 companies under its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, the agency disclosed on Thursday.
NCS National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, said the amount represents 21.77 per cent of the service’s total revenue of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025. He noted that the figure reflects a 29.68 per cent increase from ₦1.222 trillion recorded before the companies were admitted into the programme.
“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 ₦1.22tn before certification to ₦1.58tn after certification, reflecting a growth of ₦362bn (29.68 per cent) for the 51 AEO-certified entities as of 27 October 2025,” Maiwada said.
He added that the AEO Monitoring and Evaluation Report showed an average compliance rate of 85 per cent, ranging from 60 per cent to 100 per cent. The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure transparency, objectivity, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation SAFE Framework of Standards and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Customs duties paid rose by 85.66 per cent, driven by enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
On trade facilitation, Maiwada said participation in the AEO programme reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, a 75 per cent improvement. He added that company operating costs fell by 57 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, curbing capital outflow to foreign-owned port service providers and supporting foreign exchange retention.
“Overall, trade efficiency improved by 77 per cent through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management,” he said, highlighting the programme’s dual impact on revenue generation and trade facilitation.
