The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled a new handbook aimed at simplifying the importation of renewable energy technologies, a move aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to promote sustainable investment and industrial growth.

At the opening of a two-day Stakeholders Consultative Forum in Lagos, Deputy Comptroller-General Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, highlighted the handbook’s purpose: “This handbook is simply designed to simplify the process as well as help stakeholders have a smoother trade that would help us transition quickly to the adoption of cleaner energy in the future.”

The guide covers customs regulations, tariff classifications, compliance standards, documentation requirements, and step-by-step import procedures to assist businesses and policymakers in navigating complex import processes.

The forum also marked the first anniversary of the NCS Advance Ruling Programme, which offers pre-arrival decisions on classification and valuation, reducing disputes and clearance delays. The NCS emphasized its commitment to the WCO Green Customs Initiative, supporting environmentally sustainable trade in line with Nigeria’s pledge under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon emissions by 2060.

Olatomiwa Olafaremi of BUA Group praised the Advance Ruling System, saying, “We have seriously benefited from the Advanced Ruling System from inception… the process has been seamless.”

Similarly, Boniface Agu Ekenedilichukwu from CIG Motors confirmed the positive impact on his business, noting, “During the clearing process, we spent just seven days to take delivery.”

The event drew support from international partners including GiZ, the European Union, the German Embassy, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, all backing Nigeria’s shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy solutions.