The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition by streamlining the importation of clean energy components. Speaking at a recently concluded stakeholders’ consultative forum in Lagos, the Country Director of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner, represented by Duke Benjamin, highlighted the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in advancing the nation’s sustainable development goals and green energy transformation.
Dr. Wagner emphasized that the implementation of the Advance Ruling Systems has significantly simplified customs processes for importing renewable energy equipment, directly bolstering Nigeria’s ambitious shift toward green energy.
“The strategic partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and GIZ is pivotal in our shared journey toward sustainable development. Through the successful launch of the Advance Ruling Systems, we have substantially reduced customs clearance times and administrative burdens for clean energy importers,” he stated.
He added, “Today’s launch of the handbook on import and export procedures for renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies marks another milestone in enhancing the ease of doing business across Nigerian borders.”
GIZ’s collaborative efforts also include sensitization programs for importers and customs officers on the classification and valuation of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. These initiatives have improved operational efficiency while ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, digital reforms in documentation and processing have accelerated trade in sustainable energy products nationwide.
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Beyond customs modernization, GIZ’s technical assistance to the Nigerian government spans several areas, including robust capacity-building programs, strengthening institutional frameworks, and fostering knowledge transfer to drive sustainable development across multiple sectors. In the energy sector, GIZ has played a key role in developing renewable energy policies, supporting rural mini-grid projects, and enhancing nationwide energy efficiency standards.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Power has lauded the Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP) implemented by GIZ as a catalyst for renewable energy trade facilitation and advancement in the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mahmud Mamman, represented by Ben Ayangegor, noted that these efforts align with the 30:30:30 vision , which aims to generate 30 gigawatts of electricity by 2030, with renewable energy contributing 30 per cent.
“It is commendable that, with support from the Nigeria Energy Support Programme implemented by GIZ, the Nigeria Customs Service is advancing trade facilitation on renewable energy equipment as envisioned by the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy,” Mamman said.
He urged the Ministry of Finance to establish a task force, led by the Comptroller General of Customs, to further expedite the importation and exportation of renewable energy equipment. The proposed task force would streamline cumbersome customs procedures, provide staff training on product quality and incentive applications, and develop a specialized Harmonized System Code for renewable energy equipment.
In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Customs Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan, stated that the NCS is collaborating closely with stakeholders to facilitate the importation of renewable energy technologies while enforcing fiscal measures to discourage fossil fuel dependency. This, he explained, would help achieve net-zero emissions through cost reduction and promote sustainable energy adoption.
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