By Naija247news Reporter
Lagos, May 19, 2025
In a bold step towards achieving Nigeria’s 2060 net-zero target, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged full support for the seamless importation of renewable energy technologies. The initiative was announced during the Trade Facilitation Consultative Forum held in Lagos on Monday, themed “Trade Facilitation Measures for Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies.”
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi—represented by Deputy Comptroller-General Caroline Niagwan—affirmed that NCS is committed to enforcing fiscal measures that promote the transition from fossil fuels to green energy in line with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP).
“Our goal is to streamline customs procedures, offer duty-free and VAT-free classifications for renewable energy equipment such as solar panels, and ensure consistent HS code applications to eliminate import barriers,” Adeniyi stated.
Key policy directions outlined include:
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Duty- and VAT-free importation for solar panels and energy-efficient technology
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Classification under specific Harmonized System (HS) codes
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Implementation of the Advance Ruling Programme to offer import predictability
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Alignment with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) under the Green Customs Initiative
Assistant Comptroller-General Charles Orbih, head of Zone ‘A’, noted that the Advance Ruling Programme—launched on May 2, 2024—has improved operational efficiency and helped businesses plan ahead.
“We’re proud to partner with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and the Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP) to host this forum. It signals our commitment to innovation in customs administration,” Orbih added.
Also speaking, Mahmud Mamman, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, emphasized the importance of trade facilitation in scaling renewable energy access.
“Reducing customs barriers accelerates deployment and affordability of critical components like solar panels and batteries,” he said.
Representing the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Mrs. Thessa Bagu, speaking on behalf of Mr. Massimo De Luca, described the initiative as a critical alignment with global climate action and green economic growth.
“The EU is proud to collaborate with Nigeria and the German government to advance Nigeria’s energy transition goals,” she said.
Dr. Markus Wagner, Country Director, GIZ Nigeria, lauded NCS’s innovative approach. “This effort has already cut down customs clearance times and reduced administrative burdens, delivering tangible results for clean energy investors,” Wagner said.
He also announced the launch of a new handbook on import and export procedures for renewable and energy-efficient technologies, calling it a “milestone for trade ease and energy reform.”
From the private sector, Agu Boniface, Logistics Manager at CIG Motors, shared that the Advance Ruling Programme reduced their import delivery turnaround to just 7 days.
Meanwhile, NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, presented a paper titled “The Role of Effective Communication Strategy as a Variable Tool to Deepen Trade Facilitation.” He emphasized that language-neutral stakeholder engagement is vital to navigating global trade complexity.
“Communication is the bridge between policy and practice. It catalyzes transformation in the customs-business relationship,” Maiwada stated.
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Reporting by Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.
