The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step towards enhancing trade facilitation with the official launch of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. The event, hosted at the Lagos Continental Hotel, not only marked the program’s commencement but also recognized six companies for their pioneering role in the pilot phase.
Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi announced that starting from February 17, 2025, the AEO registration portal would be open to other eligible companies. During the ceremony, Adeniyi awarded AEO certifications to Lelook Nigeria Limited, led by Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, known for manufacturing bags across Africa; FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, famous for producing Three Crowns Milk; 11PLC, previously Mobil Oil Nig. Plc, now an indigenous supplier of lubricants; First Class Refreshment Ltd, specializing in packaging and exporting Nigerian snacks like Kilishi; Huawei Technology Company Nigeria Limited, a long-standing technology provider in Nigeria since 1999; and Ideal Royal Crown Logistics Limited, offering comprehensive logistics solutions.
Adeniyi highlighted the success of the pilot phase, where these companies saw their combined trade value surge from N185.8 billion in 2023 to N563.8 billion in 2024. Their customs revenue contribution also escalated to N51.1 billion in 2024, aiding the national revenue increase from N3.2 trillion to N6.1 trillion over the same period.
He underscored the operational efficiency gains, noting that the average cargo release time for these companies was reduced to 43 hours, a 66.9% improvement over pre-AEO times. Additionally, cost savings for these businesses exceeded N100 million in just one quarter.
“The AEO program is more than just numbers; it’s about building lasting partnerships with companies that exhibit exemplary business ethics,” Adeniyi stated, emphasizing the program’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Industry leaders praised the initiative. Charles Odii from SMEDAN expressed enthusiasm for the program’s potential to streamline processes for SMEs, while Dele Kelvin Oye from NACCIMA pointed out the private sector’s capability to support national economic goals if provided with a conducive environment. Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu from PEBEC stressed the program’s role in enhancing Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
The AEO portal (aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng) is now open for applications, with Adeniyi urging compliant businesses to join this transformative initiative.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including representatives from the Lagos State Government, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Nigerian Shippers Council, underscoring the collective commitment to trade facilitation and economic prosperity in Nigeria.
