By ZAKAA LAZARUS
In furtherance of its commitment to align Nigeria’s trade facilitation procedures with international best practices, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will commence the transition from the current Fast Track Scheme to the globally recognised Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme.
This strategic move is grounded in the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and backed by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
It is pertinent to note that the AEO Programme is a structured initiative that offers trusted traders who meet specified compliance, financial, and security criteria a certain level of priority treatment in Customs processes, including pre-arrival clearance, minimal inspection, expedited release, and possible mutual recognition with other customs administrations.
The scheme is also designed to build trust, ensure cargo integrity, and enhance the predictability and transparency of Nigeria’s import-export operations.
Consequently, the current Fast Track Scheme will be officially decommissioned effective 31 December 2025.
All beneficiaries currently enrolled in the Fast Track Scheme are mandated to initiate their migration to the AEO Compliance Programme by submitting their applications through the dedicated portal: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.
Only companies approved under the AEO Programme will continue to enjoy trade facilitation privileges previously accorded under the Fast Track scheme.
As part of the rollout and stakeholder education process, the Service will be hosting a Stakeholders Engagement Forum on Wednesday, 06 August 2025, at the Bon Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
This forum will bring together importers, exporters, terminal operators, logistics providers, and licensed customs agents for a sensitisation program on the objectives, benefits, eligibility requirements, and application procedures for the AEO Programme. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with NCS officers overseeing the AEO implementation process.
The Nigeria Customs Service encourages all eligible operators to embrace this transition and participate actively in the AEO Programme to sustain their competitive advantage while contributing to a more secure, transparent, and efficient trade environment in Nigeria.
While the Service continues to prioritise compliance-driven facilitation, secure trade practices, and the modernisation of customs procedures in line with global trends, it remains committed to improving Nigeria’s ranking on the global trade index, securing supply chains, and fostering a transparent and efficient cargo clearance ecosystem that benefits both government and legitimate businesses.
