The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has explained why the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme is crucial to improving trade facilitation in Nigeria.
Thelensng reported on Friday that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will transition from the current Fast Track Scheme to the globally recognised AEO, effective from December 2025.
While delivering his keynote address at the Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum on the Migration from Fast Track Scheme to the AEO Programme, held at Bon Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, CGC Adeniyi expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their commitment to building a more efficient and secure trade environment in Nigeria.
Adeniyi, who was represented by Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, ACG Osikhena Charles Orbih at the event themed “From Fast Track to AEO: Enhancing Trade Facilitation and Supply Chain Security in Nigeria” stated that the migration is both timely and strategic.
“It captures the direction of our reforms at the Nigeria Customs Service, which aim to support legitimate trade, enhance economic competitiveness, and strengthen national security through smarter, more collaborative approaches.
“For over a decade, the Fast Track Scheme provided early benefits for compliant importers. However, it had limitations—mainly the absence of a legal framework, the changing dynamics of the supply chain. It became clear that we needed to migrate to a model that is structured, risk-based, transparent, and globally recognized. That is what led to the design and implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme,” he said.
Adeniyi emphasised that the AEO Programme is not just a new policy but a paradigm shift in the way Customs interacts with the private sector. “Developed in line with the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework of Standards, particularly its Second Pillar—Customs-to-Business partnerships—the AEO Programme promotes a modern system of risk management, facilitation, and compliance.”
He recalled that the programme was first piloted in Nigeria on April 15, 2024, and following thorough testing, capacity building, and stakeholder consultations, the national launch was held on February 14, 2025.
The Customs boss disclosed that the objective is simple — to identify and reward businesses that demonstrate consistent compliance with the Service and tax regulations by granting them faster, more predictable, and more efficient clearance processes.
Speaking further, he highlighted the importance of the programme to businesses, including faster cargo clearance and release, reduced physical inspections, and dedicated service desks at ports and terminals.
Others are priority treatment during disruptions or port congestion, improved dispute resolution channels, and greater supply chain visibility and global recognition.
Adeniyi affirmed that these benefits are not theoretical, emphasising that results are already measurable.
“A recent Time Release Study (TRS) conducted by the Service shows that the average clearance time for AEO traders is now 43 hours. This is a significant reduction compared to non-AEO traders. It means less cost, faster delivery, and better control over your supply chains.
“This reform not only supports trade facilitation but helps Nigeria meet its obligations under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, making our trade ecosystem more competitive and business-friendly,” he remarked.
He also highlighted the pivotal role of Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in supporting the AEO Programme.
“On 28th July 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service officially launched the PCA Pilot Reform, aimed at strengthening audit-based controls without disrupting legitimate trade. Through PCA, officers will now verify transactions after clearance—checking financial and non-financial records at the trader’s premises or offices in line with sections 36(4) and 37(2) of the NCS Act 2023.”
The CGC said that the PCA enables the Service to maintain revenue assurance and support upfront trade facilitation for trusted traders.
He continued: “It reinforces the AEO framework by ensuring that those who benefit from simplification continue to meet their compliance obligations. The PCA Unit has been fully restructured with the appointment of an Assistant Comptroller-General and dedicated teams at headquarters and zonal levels to drive implementation.”
He stated that the AEO is not a favour or shortcut but a mutual commitment. “To qualify, businesses must meet strict eligibility criteria, maintain accurate records, follow Customs laws, pay the right duties, and cooperate during validations and audits.
“Our role as Customs is to ensure fairness, support capacity building, and uphold transparency in all processes. We are also developing an AEO digital platform, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and preparing for Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with key trading partners.”
He urged qualified operators—importers, exporters, manufacturers, and logistics providers—to make themselves available, get validated, and enjoy the full benefits of AEO status.
He stressed that the migration from Fast Track to AEO represents a significant milestone in Customs modernisation, adding that “it is a symbol of progress—a shift from gatekeeping to partnership, from delay to facilitation, from control to compliance.”
