Lagos: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed its commitment to facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies into the country. The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, made this pledge at the NCS Trade Facilitation Consultative Forum held in Lagos. The forum was themed 'Trade Facilitation Measures for Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies.'
According to News Agency of Nigeria, customs efforts to support renewable energy include regulating the import of essential equipment such as solar panels, ensuring they receive duty-free and VAT-free classification to aid the development of the sector. The customs service is also classifying solar panels under specific Harmonised System (HS) codes to ensure consistent treatment of imports and streamline procedures for compliant businesses.
Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs on Tariff and Trade Facilitation, Caroline Niagwan, explained that this commitment involves enforcing fiscal measures to promote a shift from fossil fuel dependency, with a view to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. The Green Customs Initiative is part of this effort, responding to a growing number of legally binding Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and acknowledging the critical role customs play in enforcing them.
Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in Charge of Zone 'A', Charles Orbih, highlighted the inauguration of the Advance Ruling Programme on May 2, 2024, as a part of their innovative approach to customs administration. This move reflects the growing consumer demand and evolving policy focus on renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. NCS has partnered with GIZ, the Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP), and other stakeholders to host this forum, emphasizing collaboration as a strategic pillar.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Mr. Mahmud Mamman, noted that trade facilitation plays a crucial role in advancing renewable energy by reducing barriers to the movement of technologies across borders. Simplifying customs procedures makes it more cost-effective to import equipment such as solar panels and batteries, accelerating the deployment of renewable energy schemes. This, in turn, attracts foreign investment and expertise.
Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Massimo De Luca, stressed the forum's significance in addressing the nexus between trade policy, sustainable development, and climate action. Represented by Managing Director Mrs. Thessa Bagu, he reiterated the EU's support for Nigeria's sustainable development agenda through extensive cooperation with the German Government.
Mr. Agu Boniface, Logistics Manager at CIG Motors, testified to the effectiveness of the Advance Ruling Programme, citing enhanced operations and reduced business processing time. Dr. Markus Wagner, Country Director for GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended NCS for its role in advancing Nigeria's sustainable development goals through the successful implementation of the Advance Ruling Systems.
Assistant Comptroller Abdullah Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer for the Nigeria Customs Service, emphasized the importance of effective communication in trade facilitation. He stated that strategic communication serves as a catalyst for transformation in the fast-evolving global trade environment, bridging policy and practice.