The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has stated that the Advance Ruling Programme launched in 2023 has significantly reduced disputes and delays in cargo clearance.
Speaking during a two-day Stakeholders Consultative Forum and the launch of a handbook on importing renewable energy technologies in Lagos, Adeniyi noted that the system provides binding pre-arrival decisions on classification and valuation of goods, leading to greater efficiency at the ports.
Represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, the CGC said, “By shifting decision-making to the pre-arrival stage, the system ensures greater predictability and reduces disputes and clearance delays.”
Adeniyi also reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) Green Customs Initiative, which aims to facilitate trade in environmentally sustainable goods.
“The NCS plays a pivotal role in supporting national goals by facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies and enforcing fiscal measures that promote a shift away from fossil fuel dependency,” he said.
The forum also saw the launch of a detailed handbook designed to help importers navigate the challenges of bringing renewable energy technologies into Nigeria.
This aligns with the country’s Energy Transition Plan and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.Highlighting the real-world impact of the Advance Ruling System, Olatomiwa Olafaremi of BUA Group said, “We have seen about nine rulings so far, and there is serious value in this system.
The process has been seamless, and the support from the customs team, especially the Advance Ruling team, has been tremendous.”Similarly, Boniface Agu Ekenedilichukwu of CIG Motors shared how the system helped streamline the importation of solar energy systems.
“During the clearing process, we spent just seven days to take delivery. That’s a massive improvement,” he said.
The Customs Service urged more businesses to embrace the Advance Ruling and other trade facilitation tools like the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme to enhance import efficiency and compliance.
