ZAINAB JUNAID
In a bid to enhance efficiency and predictability of trade facilitation in the Country the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has commenced Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program.
The Authorized Economic Operator according to World Customs Organization(WCO) is a party involved in the international movement of goods in whatever function that has been approved by or on behalf of a national Customs administration as complying with WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards. Authorized Economic Operators include -manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, intermediaries, ports, airports, terminal operators, integrated operators, warehouses and distributors.
Speaking during a Stakeholders meeting on Tuesday, 19 March 2024, in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR noted that the program would foster collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, Other Government Agencies (OGAs) and Experts to boost AEO programmes.
He underscored the determination needed to work together and ensure that the narrative is changed about the ease of doing business in and around Nigerian ports, thus explaining that the program would foster collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, Other Government Agencies (OGAs) and Experts to boost AEO programmes.
“And if you have observed, you will also see that AEO cuts across virtually every player in the sector, the exporter, the importer, the government agencies, regulatory agency, the customs and everybody in one way or the other.
“So this allows us to address some of those issues. So that when next operators talk about compiling how much it takes them, we will see data that are a little bit more friendly,” he said.
The CGC further recalled how Time Release Study (TRS) was launched by NCS in February 2024 serving as another measure to optimize the trading experience within Nigeria.
Assuring the stakeholders of Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to run the pilot program of AEO successfully, the CGC said, “As we are taking the steps with you with the implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator program, which hopefully will start from the 15th of April 2024.”
He also explained that the objectives of the pilot program as a course were to evaluate the visibility and effectiveness of implementing the AEO program within the Nigeria Customs Service and to solicit feedback from all our key stakeholders.
The Comptroller General added that some Importers, Exporters, Small and Medium Enterprises, Customs Licence Agents, Logistics Operators, and Government Agencies have been selected to run the pilot scheme of the AEO program in Nigeria.
While expressing readiness his to partner with business stakeholders in order enhance trade in Nigeria, he urged participants of the program to expedite their commitment to ensuring the potential of the AEO program, which would foster a culture of efficient customs processes compliance, integrity, and collaboration that will propel Nigeria.
“This is a collective and transformative journey we must come together with renewed determination. Knowing that together we can shape a future that knows no boundaries and prosperity with no limits,” he said.
Also speaking at the Stakeholders meeting, Awa Nnenna, Chief Superintendent of Custom and Project Manager of the Authorised Economy Operator said the pilot phase of the program is designed to streamline Customs clearance processes while ensuring transparency and inclusivity in line with international standards.
Awa noted that the key benefits of the AEO program include expedited Customs clearance procedures and the establishment of mutual trust between Customs authorities and accredited operators.
“By facilitating smoother trade operations, the programme aims to stimulate economic growth.”
On his part, Charles Odii, Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive approach to engaging small-scale business owners through the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program.
Odii, while reiterating his commitment towards supporting the AEO programme, said the initiative will contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s GDP and Foreign Exchange reserves, and will not only streamline trade processes but also change the narrative surrounding trade in the country, ultimately fostering a more conducive environment for business growth and development.
Mr Pius Akutah, CEO of the Nigeria Shippers Council, commended the NCS for the initiative and reiterated the council’s commitment towards supporting and ensuring the success of the AEO programme
