· Adeniyi Launches Handbook On Renewable Energy Tech Import
The Nigeria Customs Service and the Customs Administration of Benin Republic have expressed readiness to address diversion and fraud along the Nigeria-West corridor with the deployment of the SIGMAT, the interconnected system for the management of goods in transit.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Adewale Adeniyi made this known during the official launch of the
deployment of SIGMAT connectivity between Benin And Nigeria, Seme Krake Joint Border Post on Monday..
Meanwhile, CGC Adeniyi has also launched a handbook on navigating the complexities of importing renewable energy technologies into the country.
Adeniyi disclosed at the bilateral event that the two countries intend to use the platform to foster inter-agency coordination and collaboration between both nations while also addressing cross-border issues affecting the two Customs Administrations.
He said,“SIGMAT is aimed at digitalizing and harmonizing Customs transit operations across our member states. The concept was conceived over a decade ago and the electronic platform was designed to achieve these objectives. Primarily, we want to improve the visibility of goods in transit. We want to combat diversion and fraud along the Abidjan-Lagos Highway Corridor. We also want to use the platform to foster inter-agency coordination and collaboration between us, he noted, adding, “And for our stakeholders, we want to simplify the procedures at the borders and by so doing, we want to reduce delays” .
Continuing, the CG noted that SIGMAT is Nigeria’s strategic ambition to align with regional digital customs standards and to modernize the globalization of our trade portfolio.
He added that in the near future, we will be able to expand the deployments of SIGMAT to additional border locations, particularly in places like Idiroko, and others.
“We will look forward to strengthening bilateral communication mechanisms to ensure timely technical engagements between our agencies and our institutions”.
“And most importantly, we want to make sure that trade fosters revenue and prosperity. We want to enhance trade facilitation between our two countries”.
Speaking, the Director General (DG) of the Benin Republic Customs Administration, Mrs. Adidjatou Hassan Zanouvi disclosed that the platform will go a long way in reducing delay and enhancing trade facilitation between both countries.
“The technical launch for the SIGMAT platform, which is a very important milestone for the cooperation and the interoperability between Benin and Nigerian Customs, because it will facilitate the move of the goods and also will help our customs services to fight against any fraud, to have an exclusivity in collecting revenue and also facilitate trade.
“The system will really solidify and facilitate the move of the goods from Abidjan, which is already in the SIGMAT system from Abidjan, all the way to Benin and then to Nigeria, and also when goods are coming from Nigeria to use the corridor, SIGMAT”.
In a related development, CGC Adeniyi also on Monday in Lagos, launched a handbook that will aid for importers and businesses navigate the complexities of importing renewable energy technologies into the country.
Speaking at the opening of a 2-day Stakeholders Consultative Forum at Marriot Hotel, Ikeja Lagos with the theme “Trade Facilitation for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies”, the CGC noted that 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).
Represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General Tariff and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan, Adeniyi acknowledged that navigating the complexities of importing these technologies posts a challenge to businesses and policy makers, hence the launching of the handbook.
“This handbook is simply designed to simplify the process as well as help stakeholders have a smoother trade that would help us to transition quickly to adoption of cleaner energy in the future. There are several features in this handbook, key among them are; customs regulations and tariff classification for renewable energy equipments. We also have compliance standards, both local and international. In this handbook, we have documentation requirements as well as step by step import procedures”. He said.
The forum was also used to mark the first anniversary celebration of the Advance Ruling Programme of the Nigeria Customs Service which was launched on May 1st 2014.
According to CGC Adeniyi, the Advance Ruling System provides binding pre-arrival decisions on classification and valuation. By shifting decision-making to the pre-arrival stage, the system according to him 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 recognizes 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.
“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, with a view to achieving 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
The forum was attended by stakeholders in the renewable energy business including GiZ, the European Union, German Embassy, Kingdom of the Netherlands among others, all declaring support for Nigeria’s commitment to diverting attention from fossil fuel dependency.
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 BUA group, Olatomiwa Olafaremi confirmed the efficacy of the platform, saying that “We have seriously benefitted from the Advanced Ruling System from inception. As at 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 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 (Authorized Economic Operator) all these are areas where the Customs have really impacted industries” he said
Also speaking, and 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? In order to save on energy, our company wanted to import solar systems to support our power usage, what we did was went through the tariff books and we 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 without any issues” he narrated.
