By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigeria Customs Service has extended the deadline for the migration of all Fast Track Scheme beneficiaries to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme by one month.
The extension moves the deadline from December 31, 2025, to January 31, 2026, and is intended to support trade facilitation and strengthen supply-chain security.
NCS spokesperson, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, announced the extension in a statement yesterday, saying operators who are yet to transition must complete their applications via aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.
Maiwada said the new timeline gives affected companies the opportunity to meet all AEO requirements without disrupting their business processes.
He stressed that only companies certified under the AEO Programme will enjoy facilitation benefits previously offered under the Fast Track Scheme.
The AEO Programme, he explained, is a globally recognised compliance-based system that grants trusted operators benefits such as faster cargo release, reduced documentation and pre-arrival processing.
Maiwada said the migration aligns with the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
To ensure a smooth transition, he revealed that the Service would host a detailed stakeholders’ engagement on December 18, 2025, in Lagos.
The session will provide hands-on guidance on the migration process, application steps and compliance expectations.
He urged operators to attend the forum and take full advantage of the deadline extension.
Maiwada reiterated that the Service remains committed to enhancing trade efficiency, protecting revenue and supporting legitimate businesses.
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