The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) has endorsed the migration of traders from the Fast Track Scheme to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
The committee says the transition will enhance international trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
Eugene Nweke, Secretary of the CCC, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had on Aug. 1 directed traders to transition to the AEO programme by Dec. 31, 2025, as part of efforts to align with international best practices.
The current Fast Track Scheme will be phased out by the end of 2025.
Nweke said the AEO programme would promote economic integration across Africa by certifying compliant and secure businesses, thereby enhancing trade facilitation.
“It will reduce trade barriers, improve cooperation, and support AfCFTA’s goal of increasing intra-African trade,” he said.
He added that during the pilot phase, the average cargo clearance time was reduced by 66.9 per cent, with AEO-certified businesses enjoying benefits.
The benefits according to him are faster clearance and reduced processing time, priority treatment with dedicated customs personnel, fewer physical inspections and greater supply chain predictability.
Nweke stressed that for the programme to succeed; the NCS must implement stakeholder engagement, provide Customs officers with training, and establish a monitoring framework.
“Traders must also take proactive steps to understand the AEO programme, assess their compliance status, and apply before the Dec. 31, 2025, deadline,” he advised.
He urged the Federal Government, legislature, and relevant agencies to support the transition and help maximise the programme’s benefits for Nigeria’s economy.
“Together, we can use the AEO programme to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness and drive economic growth under AfCFTA,” Nweke said.
NAN reports that the AEO programme was officially inaugurated on Feb. 15, 2025, following a pilot phase that began on April 15, 2024, with six companies.
Key benefits include faster cargo release, fewer inspections, and cost savings.
