FASTER CARGO CLEARANCE ASSURED WITH THE COMING OF AUTHORISED ECONOMIC OPERATOR PROGRAMME—CG ADENIYI
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Comptroller General of the Customs service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has said that the Authorised Economic operator (AEO) programme will ensure faster cargo clearance as well as reduce physical inspections in port operations.
In an address at a stakeholders Engagement forum in Lagos today, he noted that the programme will also improve dispute resolution channels, greater supply chain visibility and global recognition.
Represented by the co-ordinator of Zone A, Charles Orbih, he said the benefits are not theoretical as the results are already measurable.
“I bring you warm greetings on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and I am honoured to deliver this keynote address on his behalf at this Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum on the Migration from the Fast Track Scheme to the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme.”
“The CGC extends his appreciation to all participants present today—for your time, your partnership, and most importantly, your commitment to building a more efficient and secure trade environment in Nigeria.
A New Direction for Trade Facilitation in Nigeria”
“The theme of today’s event—“From Fast Track to AEO: Enhancing Trade Facilitation and Supply Chain Security in Nigeria”—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.”
“Understanding the AEO Programme
The Authorized Economic Operator Programme is not just a new policy—it is 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.”
“The programme was first piloted in Nigeria on 15th April 2024, and following thorough testing, capacity building, and stakeholder consultations, the national launch was held on 14th February 2025. The objective is simple: to identify and reward businesses that demonstrate consistent compliance with Customs and tax regulations by granting them faster, more predictable, and more efficient clearance processes.”
Why AEO Matters: Tangible Benefits and Impact
AEO-certified businesses enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:
*Faster cargo clearance and release
Reduced physical inspections
*Dedicated service desks at ports and terminals
*Priority treatment during disruptions or port congestion
*Improved dispute resolution channels
*Greater supply chain visibility and global recognition. But these benefits are not theoretical. The 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.”
PCA Reform – Strengthening Post-Clearance Controls
“Let me also highlight the crucial 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”
“PCA enables us to maintain revenue assurance while supporting upfront trade facilitation for trusted traders. 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.”
Stakeholders’ Role: Partnership, not Privilege
Ladies and gentlemen,
“Let me be clear: AEO is not a favour or a shortcut—it is 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.”
“We urge all qualified operators—importers, exporters, manufacturers, logistics providers—to come forward, get validated, and enjoy the full benefits of AEO status.”
Conclusion: A Shared Future Built on Trust
In conclusion,
“The migration from Fast Track to AEO represents a significant milestone in Customs modernization. It is a symbol of progress—a shift from gatekeeping to partnership, from delay to facilitation, from control to compliance. On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, I thank you all once again for your time, attention, and continued support.”
“Let this engagement today be the beginning of a deeper partnership for the benefit of Nigeria’s economy, our trade community, and our national development goals”.
In his welcome address, the ACG in charge of Post Clearance Audit (PCA), ZA Chiroma said, “this forum is a pivotal milestone in our collective journey toward a modern, efficient, and risk-managed administration. It reflects the Service’s unwavering commitment to align with global standards—particularly those prescribed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and anchored under Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”
“While the Fast Track Scheme played a foundational role in facilitating legitimate trade, it had operational and structural limitations. The AEO Programme now provides a more robust, internationally recognized mechanism that rewards compliant economic operators and strengthens supply chain security through structured validation and risk segmentation.”
Distinguished Stakeholders,
“This migration is taking place within the broader framework of NCS reform—one that is anchored on transparency, efficiency, and evidence-based compliance management. Central to this reform is the transformation of the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) regime.”
“In recognition of the critical role PCA plays in Customs modernization, the PCA Unit was officially moved from the Tariff and Trade Department to the Office of the Comptroller-General of Customs with effect from 19 December 2024. This strategic realignment underscores the high-level priority now accorded to PCA as a core compliance and revenue assurance function.”
“In furtherance of this vision, the Comptroller-General of Customs approved the appointment of a dedicated Assistant Comptroller-General to head the PCA Unit, alongside the appointment of two senior officers: Comptroller PCA Headquarters (Administration) Comptroller PCA Headquarters (Operations)”
“These appointments are designed to ensure strong institutional leadership, clearer accountability structures, and improved execution of PCA’s mandate nationwide.
Since this structural elevation, the PCA Unit has embarked on significant reforms notably establishing Risk based approach to audits and framework on Comprehensive audits — onsite (field) audits as empowered in Section 36 (4) of the NCS Act 2023.”
“These reforms not only enhance post-clearance control but also complement the AEO Programme’s objectives of promoting trade facilitation, voluntary compliance, reducing physical interventions.
Let me remind us that the Fast Track Scheme will be formally decommissioned on 31st December 2025. All existing beneficiaries are required to submit fresh AEO applications through our official portal: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.”
“The Service has established clear operational guidelines, a competent AEO Unit, and a trained team of validators to ensure a smooth and credible transition process. This forum today is not just about information dissemination—it is about stakeholder inclusion. We want to listen, respond, and co-create a more efficient and predictable trade environment for all”.
“As we move forward, let me assure you that under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the Nigeria Customs Service remains firmly committed to reform, collaboration, and modernization. I urge you all to participate actively in today’s engagements and lend your voice to the transformation underway”.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.