Nigeria Customs Service Launches Reward Program for First Authorized Economic Operators

Nigeria Customs Service Launches Reward Program for First Authorized Economic Operators

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially commenced the administration of rewards for the first set of participants in its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, effective September 2, 2024. This initiative, designed to enhance the ease of doing business in Nigeria, targets compliant importers, exporters, SMEs, customs-licensed brokers, and logistics operators.

The AEO program, aligned with global best practices, aims to streamline trade facilitation, address supply chain challenges, and bolster Nigeria’s position in the international trading arena. The benefits offered under this program will be provided continuously, contingent on the participants’ adherence to the program's stringent compliance requirements.

The inaugural participants were selected after a rigorous three-month validation process that ensured only the most compliant stakeholders were included. The program is being implemented with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), which has been instrumental in providing expert guidance, capacity building, and essential resources.

Key international partners, including the World Bank’s Accelerating Revenue Mobilization Reforms (ARMOR) and customs administrations such as His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the UK, South African Revenue Service (SARS), and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), have also played significant roles in the successful launch of this initiative. These collaborations included benchmarking exercises that helped shape the program’s framework.

Participants in the AEO program will enjoy several benefits, including Automatic PAAR Registration, Direct Green Lane Routing, a Dedicated Relationship Manager, and AEO Branding. Upon successful completion of the pilot phase and ongoing compliance verification, participants will be awarded official AEO certification. This phase will be operational across all ports, gathering valuable insights to further refine service delivery.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, highlighted the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including other government agencies and development partners, in ensuring the success of the AEO program. He emphasized, "Collaboration is essential for unlocking the full potential of the AEO program, which will significantly streamline trade processes and enhance Nigeria’s global trade standing."

The NCS remains committed to promoting transparency, efficiency, and the ease of doing business in Nigeria. The successful implementation of this pilot phase marks a significant milestone in the Service’s ongoing efforts to align with global best practices and improve service delivery across the board.

For more information, contact:

Abdullahi Maiwada  

Chief Superintendent of Customs  

National Public Relations Officer  

For Comptroller-General of Customs  

04 September 2024