The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed that 125 companies have been certified under its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme out of a total 536 applications submitted between December 2025 and February 2026. Meanwhile, one company has been suspended pending investigation for attempting to breach the integrity of the programme.
Speaking on the current status of the AEO initiative, on the sideline of the launch of the One- Stop- Shop in Lagos, the Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG), Tariff and Trade, Caroline Kemen Niagwan said the service is committed to following rigorous validation processes in line with World Customs Organization (WCO) standards.
“This is not a rush job. We follow global standards strictly to protect the integrity of the programme,” he said. “All applications are carefully reviewed, and no amount of unofficial influence or shortcuts will alter the process.”
The AEO programme, which is part of Nigeria’s broader trade facilitation reforms, is designed to recognize and certify companies that meet high standards of compliance and security in international trade. Certification provides companies with benefits such as fast-tracked cargo clearance, reduced inspections, and enhanced credibility in both local and international trade circles.
The DCG explained that all applications undergo a two-step validation process. The first stage involves document verification, where companies submit their credentials, operational records, and compliance history. The second stage is on-site validation, which allows customs officials to inspect company operations, logistics, and security measures directly.
Currently, nine companies have completed the on-site inspection phase but are yet to meet all the requirements for full certification. These companies are being guided to align with the programme’s standards before they can be officially listed as certified AEOs.
The DCG also disclosed that a single company has been suspended after attempting to exploit the system. “Any attempt to manipulate or bypass our process will result in immediate suspension and potential disqualification,” he said, stressing that integrity and fairness are at the core of the programme. “We are committed to maintaining confidentiality and ensuring that every applicant is treated according to merit and compliance.”
As part of ongoing improvements, the NCS is deploying advanced technical tools to enhance monitoring and validation. These tools will track applications more effectively, including identifying their source locations, ensuring that both regional and international standards are applied uniformly across all applications. The DCG emphasized that these upgrades are aimed at reducing delays, minimizing errors, and preventing any form of abuse in the certification process.
The AEO programme has been widely regarded as a critical component in Nigeria’s effort to strengthen trade facilitation and align with continental and global best practices, especially as the country continues to integrate with initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By recognizing companies that demonstrate strong compliance and operational integrity, the NCS aims to promote secure and efficient trade, reduce bottlenecks at borders, and enhance revenue generation while boosting investor confidence.
In conclusion, the DCG urged companies to remain patient and adhere to all requirements. “Certification is a mark of trust and compliance. Those who meet the standards will be recognized; those who do not will be guided to improve. We are committed to fairness, transparency, and the long-term success of the programme,” she said.
