Customs Directs Fast Track Beneficiaries to Transition to AEO Programme by December 31, 2025

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a directive mandating all companies currently operating under the Fast Track Scheme to fully migrate to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme on or before December 31, 2025. The announcement is part of the Service’s broader plan to enhance trade facilitation, tighten cargo security, and align with global customs best practices.

According to the directive, companies that fail to transition by the deadline will no longer enjoy the privileges associated with the Fast Track Scheme, which was initially introduced to expedite clearance for compliant, large-scale importers and manufacturers. The Fast Track Scheme allowed eligible businesses to take delivery of their consignments with minimal customs checks, streamlining their supply chains and cutting logistics costs.

However, the Service noted that the global shift toward the AEO framework, under the World Customs Organization (WCO) standards, offers a more comprehensive and secure approach to trusted trader programs. The AEO programme incorporates broader risk assessment, mutual recognition agreements, and enhanced compliance measures, which are expected to elevate Nigeria’s position in global trade indices and improve investor confidence.

In a circular signed by Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Musa Baba, the Service emphasized that the transition process has already commenced and that all concerned firms are expected to submit updated compliance documentation for vetting before being granted AEO status. “The migration to AEO is not optional. It is a strategic move to modernize our operations and enhance transparency, efficiency, and security across the import-export value chain,” the circular stated.

The AEO programme, once fully implemented, will grant qualifying companies benefits such as priority treatment at ports, faster cargo clearance, fewer inspections, and eligibility for international recognition under mutual recognition arrangements with other customs administrations. The scheme also encourages greater cooperation between customs authorities and private sector operators in ensuring compliance and facilitating legitimate trade.

Industry players have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement. While some welcome the transition as a step in the right direction, others are concerned about the potential bureaucratic hurdles and increased compliance costs associated with the AEO certification process. “We understand the need for global alignment, but many firms may struggle with the paperwork and audits required for AEO status,” said a logistics manager with a major manufacturing firm in Lagos.

The Nigeria Customs Service, however, assured stakeholders that it will provide technical guidance and training sessions to support the transition process. It also pledged to maintain open communication with all Fast Track beneficiaries to ensure a smooth and inclusive migration. According to the Service, pilot tests for the AEO system have already yielded positive results in selected corridors, indicating strong prospects for nationwide rollout.

Customs Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, noted in a recent stakeholder engagement that Nigeria must not lag behind in customs reforms if it hopes to boost trade volumes and attract foreign investment. “The AEO model provides a structured, secure, and mutually beneficial framework for customs-to-business partnerships. It’s time we embraced it fully,” he said.

The directive aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under regional and international trade agreements, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which emphasizes the need for harmonized customs procedures and streamlined cross-border operations. Experts believe the AEO programme could also help reduce smuggling and revenue leakages by concentrating compliance oversight on high-risk consignments, while allowing low-risk and compliant firms to benefit from expedited processes.

As the December 31, 2025 deadline approaches, customs has encouraged all companies to begin their applications early and seek clarification where necessary. It also warned against fraudulent applications or attempts to circumvent the new system, saying any such actions would result in disqualification and possible sanctions.

Going forward, the NCS said it will adopt a phased monitoring strategy to track progress and ensure adherence to the new directive. The success of the AEO programe, the Service emphasized, will depend on mutual trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

Stakeholders are hopeful that with effective implementation, the AEO programme will not only replace the Fast Track Scheme but also become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s trade facilitation architecture, ultimately reducing port congestion, boosting customs revenue, and reinforcing Nigeria’s role as a trade hub in West Africa.