By Steve Agbota
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has said that the Advance Ruling Programme launched last year has enhanced the operations of the Serice by reducing disputes and delays.
Speaking at the opening of a 2-day Stakeholders Consultative Forum and the launch of handbook on importation of renewable energy technologies in Lagos, Adeniyi said that the Advance Ruling System provides binding pre-arrival decisions on classification and valuation.
The CGC was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said by shifting decision-making to the pre-arrival stage, the system ensures greater predictability and reduces disputes and clearance delays.
“In alignment with this year’s theme, the NCS proudly supports the WCO Green Customs Initiative, which aims to facilitate the trade of environmentally sustainable goods. The Green Customs Initiative responds to the growing number of legally binding Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and recognises the critical role customs play in enforcing them.
“Scientific evidence confirms that human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels, has led to increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and CFCs. These emissions contribute significantly to global warming and environmental degradation.
“A key pillar of the Paris Agreement is the promotion of a sustainable, low-carbon future, driven by investment in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Nigeria is committed to transitioning towards cleaner and more efficient energy systems,” he explained.
He said the NCS plays a pivotal role in supporting these national goals by facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies and enforcing fiscal measures that promote a shift away from fossil fuel dependency, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
“As we commemorate the first anniversary of the Advance Ruling Programme, which has provided greater transparency and predictability in trade, I reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service, together with our global partners to ensuring efficient, secure, and sustainable trade operations,” he said.
At the forum, the Service launched a handbook for importers and businesses on navigating the complexities of importing renewable energy technologies into the country.
The move was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in championing policies that foster investment, ensure sustainability, and promote responsible industrial practices, as outlined in Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP).
He said that navigating the complexities of importing these technologies poses a challenge to businesses and policy makers, hence the launching of the handbook.
Meanwhile, two beneficiaries of the Advance Ruling System of the Customs Service have shared their experiences in engaging the platform.
Speaking at the forum, a representative of the BUA group, Olatomiwa Olafaremi, confirmed the efficacy of the platform.
“We have seriously benefited from the Advanced Ruling System from inception. As of today, we have seen about nine rulings; there is a serious value we have received from this system.
“Yes, there may be issues here and there, which is expected of a new system, but overall we have enjoyed tremendous support from the customs headquarters and the majority of the senior officers at the terminals, most impressively is the Advance Ruling team itself.
“The process has been seamless. When we have issues at the terminals, even up to 9pm, they are always available; it has been tremendous. For those that are yet to engage this system, please engage it, including the AEO (Authorised Economic Operator), all these are areas where the Customs have impacted industries,” he said.
Also speaking, and an official of CIG Motors, Mr Boniface Agu Ekenedilichukwu, confirmed that the company has benefited from the trade facilitation tools of the Nigeria Customs Service, especially the Advanced Ruling.
“We have seen that for us and our business, it is transformative and dynamic. How does it support our business? To save on energy, our company wanted to import solar systems to support our power usage, so we went through the tariff books and saw the classifications and duty rates.
“We also went straight to the command to confirm duties, the CAC Compliance Team gave us the Ruling, we went straight to apply on the portal, and we want to say a very big thank you to the customs team. During the clearing process, we spent just seven days to take delivery,” he said.