 scheme will be implemented starting January,){kind=link}
In a major stride toward enhancing trade facilitation and global supply chain competitiveness, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed that it will begin the full implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme nationwide in January 2026.
The announcement, made during a stakeholder engagement session held in Lagos, marks a significant shift from the decade-old Fast Track Scheme, which will be fully decommissioned by December 31, 2025. According to Customs officials, this Authorised Economic Operator(AEO) migration is part of broader reforms designed to modernise customs operations, align with international standards, and improve transparency in the clearance process.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General for Zone A, Charles Orbih, noted that while the Fast Track scheme has served its purpose over the years, it lacked the legal and institutional backing to cope with today’s dynamic global supply chain environment.
“The AEO programme introduces a more structured, risk-based and transparent model developed under the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework of Standards,” Adeniyi said. “It is a paradigm shift that transforms the way NCS interacts with compliant businesses, prioritising speed, reliability and compliance.”
Businesses certified under the AEO scheme are expected to enjoy a wide array of benefits, including:
Faster cargo clearance and release
Reduced physical inspections
Dedicated service desks at ports and terminals
Priority treatment during port congestion or disruptions
Improved dispute resolution processes
Global recognition and enhanced supply chain visibility
A recent Time Release Study (TRS) conducted by NCS found that AEO-certified businesses experienced significantly faster cargo clearance—averaging 43 hours, compared to over 96 hours for non-certified traders.
The AEO programme was first piloted in Nigeria on April 15, 2024, and formally launched nationwide on February 14, 2025.
According to Adeniyi, the programme aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement and supports the federal government’s agenda to create a more efficient, competitive, and business-friendly trading environment.
Speaking on related reforms, Adeniyi disclosed that the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) regime has been overhauled and moved directly under the Office of the Comptroller-General to enhance its efficiency and ensure continuous monitoring of trade activities without impeding legitimate business.
ACG Zanda Chiroma, head of the PCA unit, urged businesses currently using the Fast Track scheme to submit fresh applications via the official AEO portal: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng. He reassured participants of a credible, smooth transition and promised that all validation teams are trained and prepared for the onboarding process.
While the announcement has been widely welcomed, some stakeholders raised concerns about the complexity of the AEO onboarding process. Secretary of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Sunday Opeh, who represented DG Segun Kadir, said the conditions for enlistment are currently cumbersome and may deter wider adoption.
“We urge the NCS to simplify the application and gradually expand enrolment. A complicated process could undermine manufacturers who are already grappling with logistics and import challenges,” Opeh said.
He also drew attention to ongoing interference by other security agencies, especially the police, which had plagued the now-phased-out Fast Track scheme.
In response, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Nnenna Awa, who leads the AEO implementation team, assured stakeholders that the new scheme is better integrated and more comprehensive. It includes partnerships with other regulatory bodies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“This is not just a Customs initiative. The AEO programme was designed with multi-agency collaboration in mind to remove duplication, reduce inspection delays, and create a seamless trade environment,” Awa said.
The NCS has emphasized that the successful implementation of the AEO programme will depend heavily on the cooperation of the private sector and the commitment of all stakeholders to compliance and transparency.
With over 200 businesses expected to be AEO-certified within the first half of 2026, the Customs Service is confident that Nigeria will soon join other leading economies in leveraging smart, efficient customs practices to boost exports, reduce costs, and attract foreign investment.