Nigeria’s shift towards a trust-based trade system is beginning to show clear results, with the Nigeria Customs Service recording a sharp rise in revenue from companies enrolled in its Authorised Economic Operator programme. Revenue generated by AEO-certified firms increased from ₦1.22 trillion before certification to ₦1.58 trillion after certification, representing a growth of nearly ₦363 billion, or about 30 per cent, from the 51 certified entities as of October 2025.
The AEO programme is a customs initiative that identifies and certifies trusted businesses involved in international trade, such as importers, exporters, logistics firms and customs agents, based on their compliance history, financial reliability and supply chain security. Certified companies are treated as low-risk operators and benefit from faster cargo clearance, fewer inspections and simplified procedures.
According to the Customs Service, AEO companies contributed over 21 per cent of the ₦7.28 trillion collected in customs revenue in 2025, while duties paid by these firms rose by more than 85 per cent. Officials attribute this growth to improved compliance, increased transparency and higher volumes of legitimate trade passing through the ports.
Operational efficiency also improved significantly under the programme as average cargo clearance time dropped from about seven days to less than two, helping companies cut operating costs by more than half and reduce demurrage payments by up to 90 per cent. Customs noted that these gains have supported foreign exchange retention and eased congestion within the port system.
The programme has encouraged a stronger culture of voluntary compliance, with several major companies carrying out self-initiated transaction reviews and remitting over ₦1 billion to the Federation Account. At the same time, the Service stressed that AEO status does not guarantee immunity, revealing that a recently certified company was suspended after being found to have breached programme rules through false declaration.
Customs officials say the AEO framework is built on trust, transparency and continuous compliance, adding that while compliant operators enjoy faster and cheaper trade processes, violations will attract firm sanctions. By aligning Nigeria’s trade processes with global best practices, the Service believes the programme is strengthening revenue protection, improving port efficiency and enhancing Nigeria’s standing in international trade.
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