…Launches Trade Facilitation Handbook
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), alongside Benin Republic counterpart deploy the SIGMAT interconnectivity platform to foster collaboration to address transborder issues, as the NCS presents on trade facilitation for renewable energy
By Innocent Chukwu
The Customs Administration of Benin Republic has entered alliance with the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) to deploy the SIGMAT interconnectivity platform in addressing diversion of cargoes and fraud along the Nigeria-West Africa corridor. The SIGMAT interconnected system is essential for the management of goods in transit.
The Comptroller General of Customs(CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi made this known during the official launch of the
deployment of SIGMAT connectivity between the two countries at Seme Krake Joint Border Post on Monday, May 19, 2025.
The CGC disclosed that the two countries have intention to use the SIGMAT platform to foster inter-agency coordination and collaboration between them, while also addressing cross-border issues affecting the two Customs Administrations.
At the event, Adeniyi 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.“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 Nigeria’s trade portfolio.
The Customs boss also stated that in the near future, Nigeria would be able to expand the deployment of SIGMAT to additional border locations, particularly in places like Idiroko, and others.
According to the CGC, “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”.
On her part, the Director General (DG) of the Benin Republic Customs Administration, Mrs. Adidjatou Hassan Zanouvi assured that the platform would go a long way in reducing delays and enhancing trade facilitation between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
Zanouvi said, “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”.
…Launches Trade Facilitation Handbook
Meanwhile, the NCS had same launched a handbook, the “Import and Export Procedure for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies” which it said was a guideline for stakeholders on trade facilitation measures.
The handbook, according to the NCS, is also a guideline for stakeholders on the importation of renewable energy technologies.
The CGC Adeniyi-led agency which launched the handbook for importers and businesses on navigating the complexities of importing renewable energy technologies into the country
at the opening of a 2-day Stakeholders Consultative Forum in Lagos with the theme “Trade Facilitation for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technologies”, 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).
The CGC was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan, who acknowledged that navigating the complexities of importing these technologies posts a challenge to businesses and policy makers, hence the launching of the handbook.
The CGC’s representative said, “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”
The launch was also used to mark the first anniversary celebration of the Advance Ruling Programme of the Nigeria Customs which was launched on May 1st 2014.
Adeniyi said the Advance Ruling System provides binding pre-arrival decisions on classification and valuation. By shifting decision-making to the pre-arrival stage, ensures greater predictability and reduces disputes and clearance delays.
Adeniyi said further, “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.
