- Nigeria Customs launched a handbook to ease the trade of renewable energy equipment, aligning with national climate goals.
- The guide simplifies customs processes, boosts green investment, and reinforces Nigeria’s leadership in sustainable trade across West Africa.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a new handbook to simplify import and export procedures for renewable energy equipment. This move aligns the country’s trade system with its climate goals.
Customs officials unveiled the handbook on Monday, July 28, at NCS headquarters in Abuja. The publication, developed with support from the European Union, the German Embassy, and GIZ, offers a step-by-step guide for customs officers, freight forwarders, and clean energy businesses.
NCS Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi described the document as a “living guide” that supports Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and long-term net-zero goals.
“This is more than a Customs document; it is a strategic tool for economic transformation,” Adeniyi said. “We will update it regularly to reflect new technologies, global standards, and evolving government policies.”
Adeniyi also thanked international partners for their technical and financial support. He said the partnership reflects a successful model of institutional collaboration to promote trade and sustainability.
The new handbook covers procedures for handling clean energy components such as solar panels, inverters, batteries, and wind turbines. It includes guidance on tariff classifications, valuation, exemptions, and documentation.
Furthermore, Adeniyi reaffirmed NCS’s commitment to reforms that promote transparency, attract investment, and support inclusive national development.
Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria, also praised the Customs Service for promoting sustainability and noted the growing role of women in the agency.
“We are proud to support Customs in advancing circular economy principles and inclusive reform,” she said.
Meanwhile, Karin Jansen, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy, reiterated Germany’s interest in strengthening trade ties with Nigeria, particularly in renewable energy.
GIZ Country Director Marcus Wagner applauded Adeniyi’s leadership and congratulated him on his recent election as Chair of the World Customs Organisation Council.
“That recognition shows the world is paying attention to Nigeria’s role in Customs modernisation,” Wagner said.
NCS said the handbook will help position Nigeria as a regional leader in sustainable logistics and green trade under the Paris Agreement and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).