By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a new Handbook on Import and Export Procedures for Renewable Energy Equipment, marking a significant step towards facilitating responsible trade and improving compliance in the renewable energy sector. The handbook was unveiled on July 29, 2025, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, following a collaborative initiative between the NCS, the European Union (EU), the German Embassy, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the handbook as a “living document” that will be regularly updated to reflect evolving technologies, international best practices, and government policies. He noted that the move supports the Federal Government’s broader objectives under the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which seeks to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 while improving energy access for millions of Nigerians.
The handbook provides step-by-step guidance on documentation, tariff classifications, exemptions, valuation, and procedures specific to solar panels, batteries, inverters, wind turbines, and other clean energy components. It is expected to serve as a vital reference for Customs officers, freight forwarders, renewable energy companies, and other stakeholders operating across Nigeria’s borders.
The initiative aligns with global commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for green trade and sustainable logistics. The Comptroller-General acknowledged the technical and financial support of international partners, describing the collaboration as a “model of institutional synergy that benefits both trade and the environment.”
Inga Stefanowicz, Head of the Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria, applauded the Service’s dedication to reforms and compliance, while Karin Jansen, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy, highlighted Germany’s continued interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in areas of green energy and trade facilitation.
The launch of the handbook is seen as a significant step towards promoting sustainable trade and circular economy principles in Nigeria, and is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economic development and environmental sustainability.
