The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing fiscal measures that support Nigeria’s transition away from fossil fuels, as part of the country’s long-term strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
Speaking at the 2025 Trade Facilitation Stakeholders Consultative Forum held in Lagos, Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the agency’s role in supporting environmentally sustainable trade. The event, themed “Trade Facilitation Measures for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies,” brought together key government, industry, and international stakeholders to explore ways of boosting clean energy trade.
In his remarks, Adeniyi announced the launch of a new Import and Export Procedure Handbook for Renewable and Energy Efficiency Technologies, a practical guide designed to assist stakeholders in navigating the importation and exportation of green technologies. He explained that the handbook is part of broader efforts by the Customs Service to align with national and global environmental goals.
“As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Nigeria is committed to cleaner and more efficient energy systems,” he said. “The Nigeria Customs Service is playing a pivotal role by facilitating the trade of renewable energy technologies and enforcing fiscal policies that promote a transition away from fossil fuels. This aligns with the country’s Energy Transition Plan under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The Customs boss noted that the Service also supports the World Customs Organisation’s Green Customs Initiative, which seeks to streamline the movement of sustainable goods while ensuring environmental compliance.
Reflecting on recent reforms, Adeniyi highlighted the success of the Advance Ruling Programme, which has enhanced transparency and predictability in trade operations over the past year. He pointed out that with the rapid expansion of global trade, just-in-time services, and e-commerce, it is more important than ever for customs agencies to adopt systems that support efficient, secure, and environmentally responsible trade flows.
His message was echoed by several international partners at the forum.
Dr. Markus Wagner, Country Director of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS—represented by Duke Benjamin, Head of Programme for the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP)—praised the collaboration between GIZ and the NCS. According to Benjamin, joint sensitisation programmes have helped improve the classification and valuation of renewable energy products, leading to better operational efficiency and greater compliance among importers.
“Our collaboration has significantly enhanced customs processes for sustainable energy products,” he said. “Digital reforms in documentation and clearance procedures have also contributed to faster and more transparent trade in clean energy technologies.”
Also speaking at the event, Jochen Schindelarz, Vice Consul for Economic and Cultural Affairs at the German Consulate in Lagos, underscored the importance of international cooperation. He stated that Germany sees Nigeria as a key partner in the global push for sustainable energy.
“As the world shifts toward cleaner energy, the decisions Nigeria makes in the coming years will determine its role in the global energy market,” Schindelarz said. “There is enormous potential here, and through coordinated efforts, Nigeria can become a leader in renewable energy across Africa.”
In her remarks, Deputy Comptroller-General Caroline Niagwan, who represented Adeniyi at the event, described the newly launched handbook as a user-friendly guide tailored to help businesses understand the procedures for trading in renewable energy and efficiency technologies.
“These technologies are essential to our future,” she said. “They power homes and industries, generate employment, reduce environmental impact, and help fulfil Nigeria’s international climate obligations.”
As Nigeria pushes forward with its Energy Transition Plan, the NCS appears determined to play a central role—both as a regulator and an enabler of the clean energy economy. The forum ended on a note of optimism, with consensus among stakeholders that sustainable trade and cleaner energy are not just policy goals, but critical paths to long-term national prosperity.
