Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR
In a significant move to enhance trade facilitation and ease of doing business, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun administering benefits under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program for its first set of approved beneficiaries. Effective from September 2, 2024, this landmark initiative introduces global best practices into Nigeria’s trade operations, focusing on importers, exporters, SMEs, Customs Licensed Brokers, and logistics operators.
The AEO program is designed to improve supply chain efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global trading community. These benefits will be continually provided to participants who maintain compliance with the program’s provisions.
The inaugural participants were selected after a rigorous three-month AEO validation process, ensuring they meet the highest compliance standards. This program, guided by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), benefits from extensive support, including expert training and materials provided by the WCO. Additionally, global partners like the World Bank’s Accelerating Revenue Mobilization Reforms (ARMOR) and customs administrations from the UK, South Africa, and Uganda have contributed significantly to its success.
Under the AEO program, selected participants’ consignments will enjoy preferential treatment, such as Automatic PAAR Registration, Direct Green Lane Routing, Dedicated Relationship Managers, and AEO Branding. Upon successful completion of the pilot phase and continuous compliance, participants will receive certificates officially recognizing their status as Authorized Economic Operators. This pilot phase will be implemented across all ports, with ongoing evaluations to improve service delivery.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including other government agencies and development partners, for the success of the AEO program. “Collaboration is not just vital; it is essential for unlocking the full potential of the AEO program, which promises to significantly streamline trade processes and elevate Nigeria’s standing in the global trade arena,” he remarked.
Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer, reiterated the NCS’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business. He highlighted that the successful implementation of this pilot phase is a key milestone in aligning Nigeria’s customs practices with global standards, further solidifying the NCS’s dedication to fostering a seamless and secure trading environment for all Nigerians.
