Customs CGC Launches Handbook on Importation of Renewable Energy Technologies

—As BUA, CIG Motors, Others Laud Customs Advance Ruling System

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on Monday 19th May 2025, 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 at Marriot Hotel, Ikeja Lagos with the theme “Trade Facilitation for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies”, the CGC noted 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).

Represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General Tariff and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan, Adeniyi acknowledged that navigating the complexities of importing these technologies posts 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 to transition quickly to 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 equipments.
We also have compliance standards, both local and international. In this handbook, we have documentation requirements as well as step by step import procedures”

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.

According to CGC Adeniyi, the Advance Ruling System provides binding pre-arrival decisions on classification and valuation. By shifting decision-making to the pre-arrival stage, the system according to him 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 recognizes 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.

“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, with a view to achieving 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, German Embassy, 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 BUA group, Olatomiwa Olafaremi confirmed the efficacy of the platform, saying that “We have seriously benefitted from the Advanced Ruling System from inception. As at 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 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 (Authorized Economic Operator) all these are areas where the Customs have really impacted industries” he said

Also speaking, and 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? In order to save on energy, our company wanted to import solar systems to support our power usage, what we did was went through the tariff books and we 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 without any issues” he narrated