Customs Commences Administration of Rewards for First Set of Authorized Economic Operator Program Beneficiaries

By Joe NjokuGlobal Freight News.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified it’s resolve to enhance the ease of doing business for compliant stakeholders while commencing on the implementation of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) program benefits for the first set of approved Importers, Exporters, SEEs, Customs Licensed Brokers and Logistics Operators with effect from 2nd September, 2024.

The landmark initiative introduces new standards in line with global best practices, aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, ameliorate existing difficulties within the supply chain and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global trading community.

These benefits Will be administered continuously, contingent on the compliance of all selected participants with the programmer’s provisions.

It is important to note that these inaugural participants were carefully selected based on their outstanding compliance within the supply chain, following an exhaustive three months AEO validation process designed to uphold the highest selection standards.

Additionally, the AEO program is being implemented under the guidance of the world Customs Organization (WCO), which has played an important role by providing experts for capacity building development, training and supplying essential materials.

Similarly, key such as World Bank’s Accelerating Revenue Mobilization Reform (ARMOR) and various Customs administration globally with emphasis on His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) where benchmarking exercises were conducted, have significantly contributed to the success to this AEO initiative.

As part of the programme, consignments belonging to the selected AEO Will receive preferential treatment, including Automated PAAR Registration, Direct Green Lane Routing, Dedicated Relationship Manager and AEO Branding.

Upon the successful completion of the pilot phase and verification of ongoing compliance with all established provisions, participants will be awarded certificates formally recognizing their status as AEO Operators.Furthermore, this pilot phase will be operational across all ports, where valuable information and learning Will be gathered to enhance service delivery.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, emphasized the need for robust support from all stakeholders including Other Government Agencies (OGAs) and development partners to promote the success of this pilot test.Adeniyi added, “Collaboration is not just vital; it is essential for unlocking the full potential of the AEO program, which promises to significantly streamline trade processes and elevate Nigeria’s position in the global trade arena”.

The NCS remains unwavering in it’s commitment to promoting transparency, efficiency and ease of doing business. The Service readily anticipates full-scale implementation of the AEO program, further solidifying its dedication to fostering a seamless and secure trading environment for all Nigerians.

The successful implementation of this pilot phase represents a key milestone in the Service’s pursuit of aligning with best practices towards efficient service delivery.