The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed commitment to facilitating the importation of
renewable energy technologies into the country.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, made this statement at the NCS Trade
Facilitation Consultative Forum held in Lagos on Monday.
The theme of the forum is“Trade Facilitation Measures for Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient
Technologies”.
Adeniyi, represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs on Tariff and Trade Facilitation,
Caroline Niagwan, said the commitment would involve enforcing fiscal measures to promote a shift from
fossil fuel dependency.
He said this was with a view to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Customs efforts to renewable energy primarily involve
regulating import of essential equipment like solar panels ensuring duty-free and VAT-free classification
to support the development of the sector.
NAN also reports that customs renewable energy operations includes classifying solar panels under
specific Harmonized System (HS) codes, ensuring consistent and fair treatment of imports, and
streamlining procedures for compliant businesses.
Adeniyi said that the Green Customs Initiative responds to the growing number of legally binding
Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and recognises the critical role customs play in enforcing
them.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government continues to champion policies
that foster investment, ensure sustainability, and promote responsible industrial practices, as outlined in
Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP),” Adeniyi said.
In his welcome address, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in Charge of Zone ‘A’, Charles
Orbih, said the Advance Ruling programme of NCS was officially inaugurated on May 2, 2024.
“Our focus on renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies showcases our innovative approach
to customs administration, adapting to evolving global priorities and consumer demands.
“In alignment with one of our strategic pillars- collaboration – the Nigeria Customs Service is proud to
partner with GIZ, the Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP) and other numerous stakeholders
to host this forum.
“The forum which reflects growing consumer demand and evolving policy focus on renewable energy
and energy-efficient technologies,” Orbih said.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Mr Mahmud Mamman, said trade facilitation
played a crucial role in advancing renewable energy.
Mamman said that it showed energy efficiency by reducing barriers to the movement of renewable
energy technologies and components across borders.
He said that simplifying customs procedures made it easier and more cost-effective to import renewable
energy equipment, such as solar panels and batteries, thereby accelerating the deployment of
renewable energy schemes.
Mamman said trade facilitation attracts foreign investment and expertise, enabling countries to develop
advanced energy solutions and enhance efficiency.
He said the Federal Ministry of Power was committed to providing adequate, affordable, and reliable
power supply which was guided by three key frameworks.
Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS,
Mr Massimo De Luca, said the forum underscored collective commitment to addressing the critical
nexus between trade policy, sustainable development, and climate action.
Represented by the Managing Director, Mrs Thessa Bagu, said that the theme of this year’s forum
resonated deeply with the shared priorities of Nigeria and the European Union in fostering green growth
and sustainable economic development.
“ We are proud to support Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda and energy transition plan
through our extensive cooperation with the German Government.
“This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to the principles of partnership, mutual respect, and
shared responsibility in addressing global challenges,” De Luca said.
The Logistics Manager, CIG Motors, Mr Agu Boniface, testified the processing of the Advance Ruling
Programme, which he said had enhanced their operations and reduced time of doing business.
He said that his company applied for the Advance Ruling Programme and got feedback within 15 days of
application, adding that it took them seven days to get the delivery.
The Country Director, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr Markus Wagner, commended NCS for the initiative,
underscored the vital role the Nigeria Customs Service plays in advancing Nigeria’s sustainable
development goals and energy transition.
“Through the siccessful launch of the Advance Ruling Systems, we have substantially simplified customs
processes for importing clean energy components, directly supporting Nigeria’s ambitious green energy
transformation.
“With the valuable support of our commissioning parties, in this case the German government and the
European union through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, which is implemented by GIZ in
strong collaboration with the Nigerian Partners.
“Our collaboration has already delivered tangible results: shorter customs clearance times and reduced
administrative burdens for clean energy importers.
“Today’s inauguration of the handbook on import and export procedure for renewable energy and
energy efficient technologies represents another pivotal step toward enhancing ease of doing business
across Nigerian borders,” he added.
In his paper presentation, Titled The Role of Effective Communication Strategy as a Variable Tool to
Deepen Trade Facilitation, Assistant Comptroller, Abdullah Maiwada, explained the importance of
communication to stakeholders in regardless of their language differences.
Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer for the Nigeria Customs Service, stated that managing
stakeholder relationships would enable effective trade facilitation for sustainable growth.
He said that in today’s fast-evolving global trade environment, the strategic deployment of effective
communication was not just a supportive function, but a catalyst for transformation.
Maiwada said that effective communication was a bridge between policy practice, when used
deliberately and strategically.
