In 2017, the Nigeria Customs Service, disclosed its plans to introduce the Authorized Economic Operators Program following incessant smuggling of arms and ammunitions into Nigeria and other illegal activities in the process of import and export at the ports. The objective of the program was to curtail and eventually eliminate these illegal activities and streamline good and seamless clearance of goods.¹

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) was introduced by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in 2007 under the WCO’s Flagship Customs Business Partnership Agreement, which is used by Custom administrations to secure and facilitate global trade and supply chain security.² An Authorized Economic Operator is a party involved in the international movement of goods in whatever function that has been approved by or on behalf of a national Customs administration as complying with WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards. AEOs include manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, intermediaries, ports, airports, terminal operators, integrated operators, warehouses, distributors.³

The AEO program has been recognized as beneficial and advantageous to Customs administrations and their accredited partners; these advantages include customs-related advantages, business advantages and global advantages. The AEO program is known to have simplified and fast-tracked Customs processes, contributed to the ease of doing business, and ensured that businesses enjoy all associated benefits in a number of international markets.⁴

In August 2023, the Nigerian Custom Services (NCS) showed its continuous commitment to resolving risks and eliminating certain procedural bottlenecks and facilitating trade as it launched the Authorized Economic Operator. According to the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, the AEO compliance Platform conforms with the World Customs Organization Protocol, is covered by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and will systematically identify tolerable risks affecting the importation of legitimate goods into Nigeria.⁵

Shortly after the launch of the AEO, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Customs Services renewed their Agreement to continue to work together to boost exports and facilitate trade at the ports.⁶

The Nigeria Customs Service will release the requirements for accreditation to enable compliant traders and businesses enjoy the benefits of this innovation.

The AEO is indeed a welcome development, given the benefits that will accrue from its use. It will ensure the prioritization of compliant traders and businesses and ensure increased transport security which is the foremost concern of every trader and business. It is believed that the use of the platform will improve the turn-around time of imports, which will in turn enhance trade, increase revenue, and reduce congestion at the ports caused by slow examination and clearance of cargo brought into the country.

1. Customs introduces AEO to streamline goods clearance | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News — Business — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News
2. AEO | About (wcoomd.org)
3. The WCO’s Updated Draft AEO Template (June 2018)
4. 8 benefits of AEO certification for importers/exporters (abroadlink.com)
5. Customs reiterates commitment to trade facilitation, launches compliance platform - Ships & Ports (shipsandports.com.ng)
6. NPA renews trade facilitation agreement with Customs to boost export - Businessday NG