The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced an extension of the deadline for the migration of all beneficiaries under the Fast Track Scheme to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme.

The original cut-off date of 31 December 2025 has now been extended to 31 January 2026, according to a statement issued by the Service on Wednesday night. The move is part of the NCS’s commitment to improving trade facilitation, enhancing supply chain security, and ensuring better compliance with global standards.

Migration to AEO Programme

The extension gives Fast Track beneficiaries more time to complete their migration to the AEO Programme, which is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to streamline its trade processes and comply with international standards. The NCS has advised all beneficiaries who have not yet migrated to complete their AEO applications via the official platform: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.

The Service further emphasized that the extended deadline would allow operators enough time to meet the programme’s requirements without disrupting their business activities.

AEO Programme Benefits

The AEO Programme is a globally recognized initiative aimed at promoting secure and efficient cross-border trade. Trusted operators under the AEO framework enjoy benefits such as:

• Expedited cargo release
• Reduced documentation
• Lower inspection levels
• Pre-arrival processing
• Greater predictability in cross-border trade

The NCS stated that only AEO-certified companies will continue to enjoy the facilitation privileges that were previously available under the Fast Track Scheme.

Commitment to Trade Facilitation

The extension of the migration deadline reflects the NCS’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders. This decision is in line with global standards and consistent with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards, which Nigeria has adopted.

The NCS also pointed to the legal backing of the migration process, citing Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Stakeholder Support

To assist stakeholders in navigating the migration process, the NCS will organize a Stakeholders Engagement Forum. The forum will offer practical guidance on the migration process, demonstrate the application procedures, and address any compliance-related concerns.

The Service also encouraged all Fast Track beneficiaries to take advantage of the extended deadline and engage with the AEO helpdesk for any inquiries or support.

Key Takeaways:

• Deadline Extension: The NCS has moved the AEO migration deadline from December 31, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
• AEO Benefits: The programme offers key trade advantages, including faster cargo processing and reduced inspections.
• Migration Requirements: All Fast Track beneficiaries must complete their migration by the new deadline to maintain privileges.
• Support Available: The NCS is offering technical assistance and will host an engagement forum to guide stakeholders through the process.