Customs commences AEO pilot scheme, rewards first set of compliant stakeholders

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in sustenance of its trade facilitation tools has set machinery to recognizing and reward first set of approved compliant Importers, Exporters, SMEs, Customs Licensed Brokers and Logistics Operators of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme effective September 2, 2024.

In a release by the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, last Tuesday disclosed that this landmark initiative introduces new standards in line with global best practices, aiming to enhance trade facilitation, ameliorate existing difficulties within the supply chain and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global trading community.

It added that these benefits will be administered continuously, contingent on the compliance of all selected participants with the programme’s provisions.

According to him, these inaugural participants were carefully chosen based on their outstanding compliance within the supply chain, following an exhaustive three-month AEO validation process designed to uphold the highest selection standards.

CGC Adeniyi at the China AEO conference recently

“Additionally, the AEO programme is being implemented under the guidance of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which has played a pivotal role by providing experts for capacity development, training, and supplying essential materials.

“Similarly, key partners such as the World Bank‘s Accelerating Revenue Mobilization Reforms (ARMOR) and various Customs administrations across the globe with emphasis on His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) where benchmarking exercises were conducted, have significantly contributed to the success of this AEO initiative,” he stated.

He said as part of the programme, consignments belonging to the selected Authorized Economic Operators will receive preferential treatment, including Automatic PAAR Registration, Direct Green Lane Routing, Dedicated Relationship Manager, and AEO Branding.

“Upon the successful completion of the pilot phase and verification of ongoing compliance with all established provisions, participants will be awarded certificates formally recognising their status as Authorized Economic Operators,” Maiwada said.

He pointed out that this pilot phase will be operational across all ports, where valuable insights and learnings will be gathered to enhance service delivery; adding that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the need for robust support from all stakeholders, including other government agencies (OGAs) and development partners to promote the success of this pilot test.

CGC Adeniyi still at the AEO conference in China

He quoted the CGC as saying, “Collaboration is not just vital; it is essential for unlocking the full potential of the AEO programme, which promises to significantly streamline trade processes and elevate Nigeria’s standing in the global trade arena.”

Meanwhile, Maiwada has said that the NCS remains unwavering in its commitment to promoting transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business.

He further said that the Service readily anticipates full-scale implementation of the AEO programme, further solidifying its dedication to fostering a seamless and secure trading environment for all Nigerians.

He added that the successful implementation of this pilot phase represents a key milestone in the Service’s pursuit of aligning with best practices towards efficient service delivery.