The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intensified its nationwide sensitisation on the Green Tax Surcharge ahead of its July 1, 2026 implementation, targeting environmental sustainability and the importation of cleaner vehicles.
At a stakeholder session held at Apapa Area Command on Friday, June 26, 2026, Customs officers, licensed agents, freight forwarders and importers met under the theme “Implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and Related Fiscal Adjustments.” The programme is part of efforts to align Nigeria with global environmental standards and reduce carbon emissions.
Representing the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, Mohammed Babadende, said the exercise was to ensure clarity before enforcement. “This sensitisation is designed to ensure that every stakeholder clearly understands the policy before implementation. Our objective is to eliminate uncertainty, promote voluntary compliance and guarantee uniform application of the Green Tax Surcharge across all commands,” he stated.
Comptroller of Tariff, System Audit and Coordination, Murtala Muazu, explained that the Green Tax differs from regular fiscal measures and will use a distinct assessment process via the HS Code declaration platform. He disclosed that to cushion the impact, the Federal Government has reduced vehicle import levies from 20% to 10%, while duties on used vehicles have been cut from 15% to 5%.
Area Controllers at the event urged importers, agents and the public to support the initiative. They noted that the levy reductions would ease the cost of doing business, facilitate legitimate trade, and ultimately help lower transportation costs nationwide.
Stakeholders welcomed the policy but called for sustained public awareness campaigns to deepen understanding and ensure compliance as the July 1 deadline approaches.
