FG Rolls Out New Customs Guidelines for Duty-Free Import of CNG, Electric Vehicles
Says Importers must obtain Finance Ministry exemption certificate
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the implementation of additional guidelines for fiscal incentives under the Presidential Gas for Growth Initiative, granting import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions on specified gas-powered and environmentally friendly vehicles as part of the Federal Government’s drive to promote clean energy and sustainable transportation.
The new guidelines, which take immediate effect, are aimed at accelerating the adoption of alternative fuel technologies, lowering transportation costs, strengthening Nigeria’s energy security and supporting environmental sustainability in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The announcement was contained in a press statement issued by the Nigeria Customs Service and signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, for the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, on July 31, 2026.
According to the Service, eligible imports that will enjoy exemption from Import Duty and VAT include 100 per cent Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, 100 per cent Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vehicles, fully electric vehicles, Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) with a minimum pure electric range of 200 kilometres, CNG and LPG conversion kits, certified gas-powered tricycles and motorcycles, as well as skid-mounted gas storage semi-trailers for CNG, LPG and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) distribution.
However, the Customs Service stated that importers seeking to benefit from the incentives must first obtain an Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC) issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and comply fully with all applicable regulatory requirements.
“Importers seeking to benefit from these incentives are required to obtain an Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC) issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements governing the importation of eligible items,” the statement said.
The Service clarified that certain categories of vehicles and equipment remain ineligible for the fiscal incentives and will continue to attract both Import Duty and VAT.
These include hybrid electric vehicles, dual-fuel petrol/CNG and diesel/CNG vehicles, luxury vehicles valued at 100,000 US dollars and above, CNG vehicles converted overseas without factory-fitted CNG capability, non-self-driven semi-trailers and flatbeds, as well as all categories of spare parts.
According to the NCS, the fiscal measures are designed to stimulate investment in clean energy infrastructure while encouraging wider adoption of environmentally friendly transportation technologies across the country.
“The implementation of these fiscal incentives is intended to support the Federal Government’s broader objectives of reducing transportation and energy costs, encouraging investment in clean energy infrastructure, expanding the adoption of alternative fuel technologies, and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security and environmental sustainability agenda,” the statement added.
The Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the transparent and effective implementation of the new guidelines under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
It also urged importers, licensed customs agents and other stakeholders in the trade ecosystem to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and ensure full compliance with the approved fiscal framework.
The Service expressed confidence that the initiative would not only promote cleaner energy alternatives but also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s transition towards a more sustainable and competitive economy.
