The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Technical Working Group (TWG) was hosted by Huawei Technology South Africa during their five-day benchmarking mission with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The visit, part of the Accelerated Trade Facilitation Programme (ATFP) supported by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), UKaid, and SARS, is aimed at advancing the implementation of the AEO Programme in Nigeria.

Chief Superintendent of Customs Nnenna Awa, the NCS AEO Lead, explained that the benchmarking exercise is crucial for the successful adoption of the AEO Programme in Nigeria. The initiative seeks to improve trade facilitation and customs compliance through international collaboration and best practices.

During the meeting, Penny Bologo, SARS AEO Lead, emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa. “Both countries play significant roles in global trade, and this partnership is crucial. The WCO Safe Framework of Standards encourages Customs-to-Customs and Customs-to-Business partnerships,” Bologo said.

Amy from Huawei Technology South Africa welcomed the NCS AEO TWG and called for ongoing support from both SARS and the NCS to improve global trade through better customs compliance and increased participation in the AEO Programme.

Austin Ijeh, Customs Compliance Officer at Huawei Nigeria, expressed appreciation for the NCS’s efforts in improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria and acknowledged the ongoing support Huawei receives from the NCS.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdulkareem Musa and Olufemi Kukoyi, also present at the meeting, highlighted the importance of trader compliance with customs regulations for the success of the AEO Programme. They praised the Comptroller-General of Customs for his role in enhancing trade facilitation through the AEO Programme and other initiatives.

The meeting provided the NCS AEO working group with valuable insights into how SARS administers AEO benefits to Huawei Technology, which is a pilot participant in Nigeria’s AEO Programme. This engagement is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s AEO Programme and contribute to more efficient trade facilitation.