NCS Pledges Support for Renewable Energy Trade, Marks 1 Year of Advance Ruling Implementation
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting seamless and sustainable trade operations, with a renewed focus on facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies.
Key Announcements at Trade Facilitation Forum
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General Caroline Niagwan, made this pledge during the 2025 NCS Trade Facilitation Stakeholder Consultative Forum in Lagos. The event also marked the one-year anniversary of the Advance Ruling Programme implementation.
Held under the theme “Trade Facilitation Measures for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies,” the forum brought together industry stakeholders, development partners, and government officials to discuss Customs’ role in supporting Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Customs’ Commitment to Trade Modernization
DCG Niagwan emphasized that trade facilitation remains central to Customs’ contribution to national development and global sustainability efforts:
“With the increasing volume of global trade, it has become imperative for Customs administrations to adopt mechanisms that support the seamless flow of legitimate trade. Such mechanisms are essential not only for sustaining international commerce but also for enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to benefit from cross-border trade.”
She highlighted several modernization initiatives including:
- Unified Customs Management System (UCMS)
- Advance Ruling System
- Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme
Supporting Nigeria’s Green Energy Transition
The NCS reaffirmed its support for:
- The Green Customs Initiative
- Multilateral environmental agreements (Montreal Protocol, Paris Agreement)
- Nigeria’s net-zero emissions target by 2060
A significant milestone was the launch of the Handbook on Import and Export Procedures for Renewable Energy Technologies, designed to guide stakeholders on Customs processes for clean energy equipment.
Stakeholder Reactions
Markus Wagner, GIZ Country Director for Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended the NCS for its strategic foresight, noting:
“Today’s launch represents another significant step towards improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.”
Participants shared positive testimonials about the impact of the Advance Ruling Programme, praising the NCS for its responsiveness to traders’ needs.
Strategic Communication for Trade Facilitation
NCS National PRO Abdullahi Maiwada emphasized the critical role of communication in institutional reforms:
“Effective communication enhances institutional credibility, deepens trade facilitation, drives economic growth, supports environmental sustainability, and reinforces national energy security.”
The forum concluded with calls for stronger NCS-private sector collaboration to streamline trade procedures and advance Nigeria’s green economy agenda.
Source: Neptune Prime