The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Green Initiative by facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies and enforcing fiscal policies that promote a transition from fossil fuel dependency in line with the net-zero emissions 2060 target.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said this during the NCS 2025 Trade Facilitation Stakeholder Consultative Forum, which also marked the first anniversary of the Advance Ruling Programme.

The event, themed ‘Trade Facilitation Measures for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies’, featured the launch of a comprehensive handbook on import procedures for renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

The handbook is designed to simplify the importation process for renewable energy equipment, supporting smoother trade and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy adoption.

Adeniyi, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, emphasised the need to simplify complex customs procedures to ensure the seamless flow of legitimate trade.

He referenced two key Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), the Montreal Protocol (1989) and the Paris Agreement (2016), citing the scientific consensus on the role of fossil fuel emissions in driving global warming.

Reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to a sustainable, low-carbon future, Adeniyi highlighted the country’s Energy Transition Plan, which is anchored on investments in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.

He also pointed to the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 as a legislative milestone that aligns the country’s customs practices with global standards, enabling reforms aimed at enhancing service delivery.

Adeniyi acknowledged the technical complexities of customs procedures, particularly in tariff classification, valuation and origin determination.

These, he noted, often lead to delays, disputes and increased costs, challenges further compounded by fraud, revenue leakage and the need to enforce protective policies.

He explained that trade facilitation encompasses all procedures that simplify the import, export, and transit of goods from declaration to payment and release, stressing that it is crucial for ensuring consistency, predictability and transparency in international commerce.

Adeniyi also outlined several initiatives introduced by the NCS following the enactment of the new act, which include the B’Odogwu platform, the Advance Ruling System and the recently launched Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, alongside the Time Release Study.

“With the increasing volume of global trade, the expansion of global value chains, and the rise of e-commerce and just-in-time services, it has become imperative for Customs administrations to adopt mechanisms that support the seamless flow of legitimate trade. These mechanisms are essential not only to sustain international commerce but also to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to benefit from cross-border trade,” he stated.

Meanwhile, stakeholders praised the NCS for introducing several initiatives to enhance trade efficiency, particularly the development of the Advance Ruling System, which has helped reduce cargo clearance times.

The President of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, Ayo Ademilua, commended the NCS for simplifying the import process for renewable energy technologies.

He noted that the Advance Ruling Programme allows importers to access critical information before cargo arrival.

Ademilua observed that many of the association’s members rely heavily on information from agents and recommended increased direct engagement between Customs, the association and its members to improve understanding of import duties and procedures related to renewable energy.

A representative of BUA Group, Olatomiwa Olafaremi, acknowledged the substantial value the company has derived from the Advance Ruling System since its inception. “

While noting that teething issues are expected with any new system, he described the overall experience as positive and urged other companies to take advantage of both the Advance Ruling and AEO programmes, citing their importance in boosting industrial efficiency.

An official of CIG Motors, Mr. Boniface Ekenedilichukwu, praised the NCS for its commitment to transparency, consistency, and efficiency, noting that the Advance Ruling System has reduced uncertainties in import procedures and facilitated faster cargo clearance.