Trade Facilitation: Customs Launches Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Scheme to Boost Trade Facilitation, Says it is a Game Changer
* Opens Registration Portal for Eligible Companies
* Certifies Six Companies for Huge Contribution at the Pilot Phase.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has continued to put in place policy measures and mechanisms at improving trade processes in their operations to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Most recent was the recent official launching of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Scheme at the Intercontinental Hotels on Friday February 14th, 2025, that have in attendance some industry heavyweights and stakeholders, as well as senior customs officers and officials whose duties falls in relevance with the scheme.
The Friday February 14th event, which coincided with Valentine’s Day saw many dressed in white and red which significantly colourised the occasion in the celebration of love mood, also witnessed the certification of six pioneer companies, Lelook Nigeria Limited, others, for their vibrant participation and contribution at the pilot scheme stage.
In his address, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR disclosed that the registration portal of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme for other interested eligible companies would be opened as from February 17, 2025, just as he presented the AEO certifications to the six companies, while commending their integrity and commitment.
He further stated that they started with 12 companies in the pilot scheme but six of them came out successful, even as he expressed confidence that the remaining companies would soon achieve AEO status.
“We actually started with 12 potential companies, but along the line, we had to focus on these six,”
Adeniyi highlighted the remarkable success of the pilot phase, noting that the six participating companies saw their collective trade value increase from N185.8 billion in 2023 to N563.8 billion in 2024. He also noted that their contribution to customs revenue also grew significantly, reaching N51.1 billion in 2024, contributing to the overall revenue growth from N3.2 trillion in 2023 to N6.1 trillion in 2024.
The elated Adeniyi said the cargo release the with the scheme was remarkable as he emphasized the scheme’s impact on operational efficiency, stating that the average cargo release time for AEO-certified companies during the pilot phase was 43 hours, surpassing the target of 48 hours and representing a 66.9% reduction compared to the pre-AEO period.
The customs boss also highlighted the cost savings exceeding N100 million achieved by pilot companies within a quarter. “The true measure of this partnership’s success is beyond the metrics, it is in the quality of relationships we are building,” Adeniyi said. “We are not just working with compliant companies; we are partnering with organizations that uphold the highest standards of business ethics.”
The Customs CG reiterated that the AEO program falls in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030 and complements the President’s 8-Point Agenda.
DCG Caroline Niagwan delivering a speech at the event
He also further stressed its potential to support food security, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, and anti-corruption efforts. “Nigeria is positioning itself as a reliable, predictable, and competitive trading partner,” Adeniyi asserted.
According to him, “the World Bank’s support through the Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms programme – ARMOR – whose name fittingly echoes the French word “L’amour” (Love) on this Valentine’s Day, has been invaluable. his meaningful convergence on February 14th is
appropriate, as today we celebrate a partnership built on trust, compliance, and mutual prosperity between Customs and Business – a different kind of commitment, but one no less transformative for Nigeria’s trade future”, Adeniyi said.
Below are the listed certified companies:
1. Lelook Nigeria Limited: a leading bag manufacturer in Africa Owned by Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa:
2. Friesland Campin: A dairy product company, producing Three Crowns Milk owned by WAMCO Nigeria PLC.
3. 11PLC (formerly) Mobil Oil Nig. Plc) an indigenous company supplying lubricants.
4. First Class Refreshment Ltd: A company packaging and exporting Nigerian snacks like Kilishi.
5. Huawei Technology Company Nigeria Limited: A technology provider operating in Nigeria since 1999.
6. Ideal Royal Crown Logistics Limited: A logistics company providing end-to-end solution.
Meanwhile, the AEO initiative of customs was lauded by various organisations and stakeholders represented at the occasion. While Charles Odii, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), was excited about the potential of the program which will ultimately benefit SMEs, which according to him, could significantly reduce bottlenecks and improve return on investment, the President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, stated that the organized private sector has the capacity to generate the needed revenue for 2025 if given the right environment.
On her part, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), affirmed that the AEO program aligns with PEBEC’s mandate and will enhance Nigeria’s trade competitiveness by simplifying customs processes for trusted businesses, noting that the AEO is a significant step at ensuring competitive and sustainable of
The CG of Customs however encouraged all compliant businesses to apply and participate in this transformative initiative of the AEO program through the website (aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng) which is now open for applications from eligible companies.
The occasion was graced by top government officials such as the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, heads of agencies in the maritime sector, such as Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr Pius Akutah Ukeyima, among others, and top industry stakeholders like Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, Charles Odii, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, CEO, Lelook Nigeria Limited, and many others who all praised the laudable AEO initiative for its huge potential to eliminate trade bottlenecks, cuts down business costs, and improve cargo release time.
The AEO initiative when fully operational, will position Nigeria to become a more reliable, predictable, and competitive player in global trade, reinforcing its commitment to economic transformation.
The CGC however expressed gratitude to the service international partners, particularly the Secretary General of WCO, Ian Sanders, for his resolute support, and the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation program team led by Donnia Hammami, whose guidance has been instrumental in the successful adoption of global best practices.
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