The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a decisive step toward modernising trade facilitation by engaging key stakeholders on the transition from the Fast Track Scheme to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
The high-level engagement, held on Tuesday, December 18, 2025, in Lagos, brought together government officials, industry leaders and licensed customs agents to discuss expectations, timelines and concerns surrounding the policy shift.
The meeting underscored the Service’s resolve to align Nigeria’s trade processes with international best practices while strengthening supply chain security and compliance.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, described the AEO programme as a cornerstone of ongoing customs reforms.
Babandede explained that the AEO framework is anchored on the World Customs Organisation’s SAFE Framework of Standards and the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
He noted that while the Fast Track Scheme was innovative in its time, global practice has shifted towards more comprehensive, risk-based compliance systems.
According to him, the transition is not intended to punish operators but represents a natural evolution of trade facilitation aimed at efficiency, predictability and trust.
Babandede assured stakeholders that adequate guidance, technical support and sustained engagement would be provided to ensure a smooth and orderly transition within the approved timeline.
Earlier, the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Post-Clearance Audit, Babatunde Olomu, described the engagement as timely and strategic in light of increasing trade complexity.
Olomu said the Fast Track model lacked the depth required for comprehensive compliance assessment, stressing that the AEO programme promotes shared responsibility between Customs and compliant operators.
Industry representatives, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), welcomed the initiative, citing its potential to reduce bottlenecks and improve operational efficiency.
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 supports transparency, efficiency and sustainable economic growth.
