Customs authorities recognize authorized economic operators as champions

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken the lead in implementing an Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) program in order to improve the efficiency and predictability of trade facilitation in the country.

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The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi emphasized the importance of collaboration between the NCS, Other Government Agencies (OGAs), and experts to enhance the AEO programs.

The CGC highlighted the need for collective effort to change the perception of doing business in and around Nigerian ports, emphasizing the significance of AEO for all stakeholders involved, including exporters, importers, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and customs.

This comprehensive approach aims to address existing challenges and provide more user-friendly data for operators.

In addition to the AEO program, the NCS launched a Time Release Study (TRS) in February 2024 to further optimize the trading experience in Nigeria.

The CGC assured stakeholders of the NCS’s commitment to successfully pilot the AEO program, which is scheduled to commence on April 15, 2024.

The objectives of the pilot program include evaluating the visibility and effectiveness of implementing the AEO program within the NCS and gathering feedback from key stakeholders.

Through these pilot initiatives, the NCS aims to identify potential challenges, refine processes, and lay the foundation for a full-scale rollout of the AEO program. The CGC expressed optimism in fostering transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration throughout the program’s implementation.