– Approves first set of beneficiaries
Esther Oritse
Lagos — In a bid to facilitate trade and enhance the Ease of Doing Business in the Nigerian Port industry, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has commenced the implementation of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme benefits for the first set of approved Importers, Exporters, SMEs, Customs Licensed Brokers and Logistics Operators
In a statement by the Spokesman of the Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, a Chief Superintendent of Customs the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi said that this landmark initiative introduces new standards in line with global best practices, aiming to enhance trade facilitation, ameliorate existing difficulties within the supply chain and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global trading community.
Adeniyi also said that the inaugural participants were carefully chosen based on their outstanding compliance within the supply chain, following an exhaustive three-month AEO validation process designed to uphold the highest selection standards
Part of the statement reads: “This landmark initiative introduces new standards in line with global best practices, aiming to enhance trade facilitation, ameliorate existing difficulties within the supply chain and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global trading community. These benefits will be administered continuously, contingent on the compliance of all selected participants with the programme’s provisions.
“It is pertinent to note that these inaugural participants were carefully chosen based on their outstanding compliance within the supply chain, following an exhaustive three-month AEO validation process designed to uphold the highest selection standards. Additionally, the AEO program is being implemented under the guidance of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which has played a pivotal role by providing experts for capacity development, training, and supplying essential materials.
“Similarly, key partners such as the World Bank‘s Accelerating Revenue Mobilization Reforms (ARMOR) and various Customs administrations across the globe with emphasis on His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) where benchmarking exercises were conducted, have significantly contributed to the success of this AEO initiative.
“As part of the programme, consignments belonging to the selected Authorized Economic Operators will receive preferential treatment, including Automatic PAAR Registration, Direct Green Lane Routing, Dedicated Relationship Manager, and AEO Branding. Upon the successful completion of the pilot phase and verification of ongoing compliance with all established provisions, participants will be awarded certificates formally recognizing their status as Authorized Economic Operators. Furthermore, this pilot phase will be operational across all ports, where valuable insights and learnings will be gathered to enhance service delivery.”
The Customs boss emphasized the need for robust support from all stakeholders, including Other Government Agencies, OGAs and development partners to promote the success of this pilot test.
“Collaboration is not just vital; it is essential for unlocking the full potential of the AEO programme, which promises to significantly streamline trade processes and elevate Nigeria’s standing in the global trade arena.” He stated
He explained that Customs Service remains unwavering in its commitment to promoting transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business. The Service readily anticipates full-scale implementation of the AEO programme, further solidifying its dedication to fostering a seamless and secure trading environment for all Nigerians. The successful implementation of this pilot phase represents a key milestone in the Service’s pursuit of aligning with best practices towards efficient service delivery.
