The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a new Import and Export Procedure Handbook for Renewable Energy to facilitate the smooth trade of environmentally sustainable goods. The launch was held at the 2025 edition of the NCS Trade Facilitation Consultative Forum in Lagos, which also marked the first anniversary of the Advance Ruling Programme.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller Caroline Niagwan, said the initiative reflects Nigeria’s environmental commitments and supports the Green Customs Initiative of the World Customs Organization.
He highlighted the importance of customs in enforcing global environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol and the Paris Agreement, reaffirming Nigeria’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. Adeniyi emphasized that Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan is backed by customs policies that promote investment in clean energy technologies and reduce fossil fuel dependence
Addressing the broader theme of trade facilitation, Adeniyi acknowledged the challenges customs administrations face in valuation, classification, and origin determination, which often result in disputes, delays, and added costs.
He explained that these technical complexities, combined with the need to uphold trade regulations, place a heavy burden on compliant traders.
To ease this burden and promote efficient trade, the NCS has undertaken a series of digital reforms guided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Among the key reforms are the Advance Ruling System, which provides binding pre-arrival decisions that improve predictability and transparency; the Unified Customs Management System, which integrates processes such as cargo declaration, payment, document verification, and cargo release into a single digital platform; and the Authorized Economic Operator Programme, which allows faster clearance for traders who meet high compliance standards.
The Time Release Study, launched in February 2024 in partnership with the World Customs Organization and the UK Revenue Authority, is also helping to assess and enhance the efficiency of customs procedures in line with international standards.
Adeniyi described these efforts as critical to supporting Nigeria’s transition to a modern, tech-driven customs administration capable of facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring environmental protection and economic growth. He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to sustainable and secure trade practices in collaboration with global partners.
Country Director for GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner, represented by Duke Benjamin, commended the Customs Service for its role in advancing sustainable energy trade and improving the business environment in Nigeria.
Industry stakeholders also praised the reforms. Olatomiwa Olafaremi, Head of Clearing and Logistics at BUA Group, said the Advance Ruling Programme has created a more seamless process, helping businesses improve performance and sales. Agu Ekenedilichukwu of Choice International Group Motors noted that the programme had simplified classification and duty rate assessments, allowing his company to clear goods within seven days without complications.
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