The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has directed all companies participating in the Fast Track Scheme to transition to the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Scheme by December 31, 2025.
The directive ensures that only companies certified under the AEO Scheme will continue to enjoy faster cargo clearance and other trade facilitation benefits after that date.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on August 1, 2025, by the Assistant Director General of Customs and National Press Secretary, Abdullahi Maiwada.
According to the statement, the transition is part of efforts to modernize cargo clearance and align Nigeria’s processes with international standards.
The AEO scheme was developed under the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) Security and Facilitation (SAFE) Framework and Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Act, 2023, to provide traders with trusted facilities such as pre-arrival clearance, minimal inspection, faster release of goods, and mutual recognition with other customs authorities in certain circumstances.
The statement reads: “In furtherance of its commitment to aligning Nigeria’s trade facilitation procedures with international best practices, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will begin the transition from the current Fast Track Scheme to the globally recognized Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Scheme. This strategic move is based on the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) Safe and Facilitative (SAFE) standards framework and is supported by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Act, 2023 .”
The statement continues: “Accordingly, the current Fast Track Scheme will officially cease operations effective December 31, 2025.” All companies participating in the Fast Track Scheme must submit their applications through aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng. After December 31, 2025, only companies approved under the AEO Scheme will continue to enjoy the trade facilitation benefits currently enjoyed by Fast Track participants.
To prepare stakeholders for the transition, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will host an engagement forum on August 6, 2025, at the Bon Hotel in Ikeja.
The forum will bring together importers, exporters, terminal operators, logistics providers, and licensed customs brokers. Lagos The service says the AEO program will strengthen supply chain security, build trust, and increase transparency in Nigeria’s import and export processes. It also aims to boost Nigeria’s standing in global trade indices by expediting customs procedures and improving predictability.
An Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) is any importer, exporter, customs broker, freight forwarder, logistics provider, transport operator, or other supply chain participant recognized by the Nigeria Customs Service.
Applications should be submitted to aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng. Companies must provide their name, tax identification number, registration number, address, email address, and phone number through an online form to begin the application process.
