Nigeria Customs Commences Implementation of Authorised Economic Operator Programme Benefits

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the ease of doing business in Nigeria with the commencement of benefits under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme. 

The initiative, which began on 2nd September 2024, marks a new era in trade facilitation, setting higher standards in line with global best practices. 

This development is poised to ameliorate existing challenges in the supply chain and strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global trading community.

In a statement signed by Abdullahi Maiwada, Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, the NCS explained that the AEO programme is a strategic move by the NCS to reward compliance among stakeholders, including importers, exporters, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Customs licensed brokers, and logistics operators. 

The programme’s benefits are being administered to a select group of participants who were meticulously chosen based on their exemplary compliance within the supply chain. 

According to the statement, these participants underwent a rigorous three-month validation process, ensuring that only the most compliant stakeholders were approved.

The NCS emphasised that this initial implementation phase is a pilot, with the benefits being extended only to those who continue to meet the programme’s stringent compliance requirements. 

The AEO initiative is being implemented under the guidance of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which has been instrumental in providing expertise, capacity development, and essential training materials.

In addition to the WCO, other key partners have played a crucial role in the success of the AEO programme. 

The NCS noted that the World Bank’s Accelerating Revenue Mobilisation Reforms (ARMOR), along with Customs administrations from countries like the United Kingdom (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs), South Africa (South African Revenue Service), and Uganda (Uganda Revenue Authority), have provided invaluable support through benchmarking exercises.

The benefits of the AEO programme for the selected operators are significant. These include Automatic PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report) Registration, Direct Green Lane Routing, a Dedicated Relationship Manager, and AEO Branding. 

These privileges are designed to streamline the trading process, offering participants a competitive edge in the market. 

The pilot phase, which is being implemented across all ports in Nigeria, will gather insights and feedback that will be used to refine and improve the programme.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, highlighted the importance of collaboration in ensuring the success of the AEO programme. 

He stated, “Collaboration is not just vital; it is essential for unlocking the full potential of the AEO programme, which promises to significantly streamline trade processes and elevate Nigeria’s standing in the global trade arena.”

The NCS said it remains committed to promoting transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business. 

The Service is optimistic about the full-scale implementation of the AEO programme, viewing it as a key milestone in aligning Nigeria’s customs practices with global best practices. 

The successful execution of this pilot phase represents a crucial step towards a seamless and secure trading environment for all Nigerians.