The Nigeria Customs Service has announced December 31, 2025, as the deadline for the migration from the current Fast Track Scheme to the globally recognised Authorised Economic Operator Programme.
Announcing this in a statement on Friday, the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, stressed that the move is in furtherance of its commitment to align Nigeria’s trade facilitation procedures with international best practices.
Maiwada explained that the strategic move is grounded in the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework of Standards and backed by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
According to Maiwada, 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 NCS spokesperson reiterated that 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 December 31, 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. Only companies approved under the AEO Programme will continue to enjoy trade facilitation privileges previously accorded under the Fast Track scheme,” he stated.
He highlighted that as part of the rollout and stakeholder education process, the NCS will be hosting a stakeholders’ engagement forum.
“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,” Maiwada added.
He encouraged all eligible operators to embrace this transition and participate actively in the 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,” he said.
