KOREDE DAMIFOGO
The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has urged its members to key into the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme to enhance trade facilitation and improve cargo clearance efficiency.
The AEO is a voluntary certification scheme anchored on the framework of the World Customs Organization (WCO). It identifies and accredits trusted operators in the international supply chain—including importers, exporters and licensed customs agents—who meet prescribed security and compliance standards. Certified operators enjoy benefits such as faster clearance, reduced inspections and priority treatment.
Despite its advantages, uptake of the programme has remained low. Out of 584 applications submitted before the January 31, 2026 deadline, only 154 firms successfully passed the Customs validation stage, representing about 26 per cent. Of the 154 validated firms, just 51 secured full certification, while 45 were granted temporary admission.
Speaking at the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, ANLCA President, Emenike Nwokeoji, said the association is collaborating with the NCS on key trade facilitation initiatives, including the AEO scheme, Advance Ruling and the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) platform. He added that ANLCA is also working with the Federal Government on the National Single Window (NSW) project.
According to him, the Customs Service has expressed concern over the poor response of ANLCA members to the AEO initiative.
“We are working with Customs on AEO, but they said our members are not responding well. We are also collaborating with Customs on Advance Ruling, especially for importers of homogeneous goods. They should take advantage of Advance Ruling,” he said.
Nwokeoji disclosed that the National Single Window is scheduled to go live on March 27, 2026, and that members of the association will undergo training to familiarise themselves with the platform’s operations.
He explained that the first phase of the NSW implementation will cover submission of manifests and renewal of licences for regulatory agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), noting that permits and licences will henceforth be processed through the portal.
While training has commenced in other centres, the ANLCA president assured members that the association’s training programme will begin on Wednesday. He urged members to participate actively, stressing that the initiative offers significant operational and compliance benefits