Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Nigeria Custom Service, NCS, has engaged key stakeholders to discuss the transition from the Fast Track Scheme to the globally recognised Authorised Economic Operator, AEO, programme, as part of efforts to strengthen trade facilitation and enhance supply chain security in Nigeria.
The high-level engagement held in Lagos, brought together government officials, industry leaders and licensed customs agents to align expectations and address concerns ahead of the policy shift.
Delivering the keynote address, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) of Customs, Mohammed Babandede, described the AEO programme as a critical pillar of the Service’s ongoing reforms, noting that it is anchored on the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework of Standards and the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
“The Fast Track Scheme was innovative at a time when structured compliance programmes were still evolving. However, global best practice has moved decisively towards comprehensive, risk-based AEO frameworks, and Nigeria must not be left behind, he said.
ACG Babandede assured stakeholders that the transition would not be punitive, stressing that it is a natural evolution of trade facilitation processes. “Adequate support mechanisms, guidance and sustained engagement are in place to ensure a smooth transition,” he said, urging operators to complete the process within the approved timeline.
Earlier on, the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Post-Clearance Audit, Babatunde Olomu, described the engagement as timely and strategic, emphasising that the shift from Fast Track to AEO reflects the need to balance trade facilitation with strong compliance and security standards.
“The Fast Track model lacks the depth required for comprehensive compliance assessment. The AEO framework invites us to rethink compliance not as a burden, but as a shared responsibility that delivers mutual benefits,” he said.
Industry representatives at the meeting, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, and the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, expressed support for the AEO programme, citing its potential to enhance efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in cross-border trade.
With more than 90 customs administrations worldwide already operating AEO programmes, stakeholders agreed that Nigeria’s transition is critical to building a trusted trading environment that promotes transparency, efficiency and sustainable economic growth.
