By ZAKAA LAZARUS
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.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) Caroline Niagwan, in charge of the Tariff and Trade Department, made the pledge in Lagos on Monday, 19 May 2025, during the 2025 edition of the NCS Trade Facilitation Stakeholder Consultative Forum, which also commemorated one year anniversary of the Advance Ruling Programme.
Held under the theme “Trade Facilitation Measures for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies,” the forum brought together key industry stakeholders, development partners, and government officials to explore Customs’ evolving role in supporting Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Delivering the keynote address, DCG Caroline Niagwan described trade facilitation as 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,” said DCG Niagwan.
She highlighted key initiatives introduced by the NCS to simplify and modernise Customs operations, including the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), codenamed B’Odogwu, the Advance Ruling System, and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme.
On Nigeria’s environmental obligations, the DCG reiterated the NCS’s support for the Green Customs Initiative and multilateral environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
“The Nigeria Customs Service plays a pivotal role in supporting these national objectives by facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies and implementing fiscal measures that promote a shift away from fossil fuels, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060,” she stated.
As part of the Advance Ruling Programme anniversary celebration, the DCG reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to fostering efficient, secure, and sustainable trade operations.
A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the Handbook on Import and Export Procedures for Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies, which aims to provide guidance to stakeholders and traders on Customs processes applicable to clean energy equipment.
In a goodwill message, Markus Wagner, Country Director for Nigeria and ECOWAS at GIZ, represented by Duke Benjamin, commended the NCS for its strategic foresight. He remarked that the initiative underscores the critical role of Customs in advancing Nigeria’s renewable energy aspirations. “Today’s launch represents another significant step towards improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria,” he added.
Stakeholders present at the forum also shared testimonials on the positive impact of the Advance Ruling Programme, applauding the NCS for its innovation and responsiveness to the trading community’s needs.
In a presentation titled “The Role of Communication Strategy as a Veritable Tool to Deepen Trade Facilitation,” the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, emphasised the importance of strategic communication in driving institutional reforms.
“In today’s fast-evolving global trade environment, the deliberate use of effective communication is not merely a support function but a catalyst for transformation. It enhances institutional credibility, deepens trade facilitation, drives economic growth, supports environmental sustainability, and reinforces national energy security,” he noted.
The forum concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration between the NCS and the private sector to further streamline trade procedures and support Nigeria’s green economy agenda.
