By Steve Agbota
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a handbook for importers and businesses on navigating the complexities of importing renewable energy technologies into the country.
Speaking at the opening of a 2-day Stakeholders Consultative Forum in Lagos on Monday, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said that
The move was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in championing policies that foster investment, ensure sustainability, and promote responsible industrial practices, as outlined in Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP).
The CGC was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General Tariff and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan, who said that navigating the complexities of importing these technologies poses a challenge to businesses and policy makers, hence the launching of the handbook.
“This handbook is simply designed to simplify the process as well as help stakeholders have a smoother trade that would help us transition quickly to the adoption of cleaner energy in the future.
“There are several features in this handbook, key among them are: customs regulations and tariff classification for renewable energy equipment.
“We also have compliance standards, both local and international. In this handbook, we have documentation requirements as well as step-by-step import procedures,” he added.
The forum was also used to mark the first anniversary celebration of the Advance Ruling Programme of the Nigeria Customs Service, which was launched on May 1st 2014.
He pointed out that the Advance Ruling System provides binding pre-arrival decisions on classification and valuation, adding that by shifting decision-making to the pre-arrival stage, the system ensures greater predictability and reduces disputes and clearance delays.
“In alignment with this year’s theme, the NCS proudly supports the WCO Green Customs Initiative, which aims to facilitate the trade of environmentally sustainable goods. 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.
“Scientific evidence confirms that human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels, has led to increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and CFCs. These emissions contribute significantly to global warming and environmental degradation.
“A key pillar of the Paris Agreement is the promotion of a sustainable, low-carbon future, driven by investment in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Nigeria is committed to transitioning towards cleaner and more efficient energy systems,” he explained.
According to him, the NCS plays a pivotal role in supporting these national goals by facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies and enforcing fiscal measures that promote a shift away from fossil fuel dependency, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
“As we commemorate the first anniversary of the Advance Ruling Programme, which has provided greater transparency and predictability in trade, I reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service, together with our global partners to ensuring efficient, secure, and sustainable trade operations,” he said.
The forum was attended by stakeholders in the renewable energy business, including GiZ, the European Union, the German Embassy, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, among others, all declaring support for Nigeria’s commitment to diverting attention from fossil fuel dependency.
Meanwhile, two beneficiaries of the Advance Ruling System of the Customs Service have shared their experiences in engaging the platform.
Speaking at the forum, a representative of the BUA group, Olatomiwa Olafaremi, confirmed the efficacy of the platform.
“We have seriously benefited from the Advanced Ruling System from inception. As of today, we have seen about nine rulings; there is a serious value we have received from this system.
“Yes, there may be issues here and there, which is expected of a new system, but overall we have enjoyed tremendous support from the customs headquarters and the majority of the senior officers at the terminals, most impressively is the Advance Ruling team itself.
“The process has been seamless. When we have issues at the terminals, even up to 9pm, they are always available; it has been tremendous. For those that are yet to engage this system, please engage it, including the AEO (Authorised Economic Operator), all these are areas where the Customs have impacted industries,” he said.
Also speaking, and an official of CIG Motors, Mr Boniface Agu Ekenedilichukwu, confirmed that the company has benefited from the trade facilitation tools of the Nigeria Customs Service, especially the Advanced Ruling.
“We have seen that for us and our business, it is transformative and dynamic. How does it support our business? To save on energy, our company wanted to import solar systems to support our power usage, so we went through the tariff books and saw the classifications and duty rates.
“We also went straight to the command to confirm duties, the CAC Compliance Team gave us the Ruling, we went straight to apply on the portal, and we want to say a very big thank you to the customs team. During the clearing process, we spent just seven days to take delivery,” he said.
