The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that its transition from the Fast Track Scheme to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme marks a transformative step toward modernising trade facilitation in the country.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held on Wednesday in Lagos. Themed “From Fast Track to AEO: Enhancing Trade Facilitation and Supply Chain Security in Nigeria”, the event brought together various stakeholders in the trade sector.
Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller General Charles Orbih (Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’), said the AEO programme aligns with the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework, particularly the pillar focused on Customs-to-Business partnerships.
According to him, the AEO model rewards consistently compliant businesses by offering streamlined clearance processes and enhanced predictability—creating a more efficient, secure trade environment.
“This marks a departure from mere gatekeeping to genuine partnerships. It’s a shift from delays to facilitation and from rigid control to collaborative compliance,” Adeniyi stated.
The AEO initiative, piloted in April 2024 and officially launched in February 2025, aims to replace the Fast Track Scheme, which had operated for over a decade but lacked legal backing and adaptability to evolving supply chain demands.
Adeniyi emphasized that the reform will boost competitiveness, cut costs, and align Nigeria with international trade obligations such as the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.
A recent Time Release Study (TRS) revealed that AEO-certified traders now clear goods in about 43 hours—much faster than non-AEO participants—resulting in improved supply chain efficiency.
To qualify, companies must meet stringent criteria, including regulatory compliance, accurate record-keeping, timely duty payments, and full cooperation during audits and validations.
Also speaking, Assistant Comptroller General Zanna Chiroma, represented by ACG Tariff and Trade Kingsley Egwu, said the transition involves stakeholder collaboration, not just policy change. He urged operators to submit new applications via the AEO portal (aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng), noting that the Fast Track Scheme will officially end by December 31, 2025.
The NCS has already set up a dedicated AEO Unit with trained personnel to ensure a credible and efficient rollout of the new programme.
Chief Superintendent of Customs Godwin Attah explained that Post Clearance Audit (PCA) would play a key role in improving trader compliance, risk assessment, and sustained training.
In his remarks, CSC Hammajad Babangida added that the AEO platform is fully automated, internationally recognised, and requires no human interface from goods clearance to delivery. Full implementation is set for December 2025, following internal preparations and upcoming stakeholder sensitisation.
CSC Susan Adarafan highlighted key differences between the Fast Track and AEO systems, noting that while Fast Track is limited and locally focused, AEO is globally recognised and offers greater long-term benefits. She said companies must handle at least 100 containers annually over two years to qualify.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi—represented by Mr. Ope Sunday—commended the Customs Service for its openness to stakeholder engagement. He also urged that the AEO framework be made more inclusive and called for Customs intervention regarding delays caused by Marine Police during fast-track operations.