Customs Begins Green Tax Nationwide Sensitisation to Curb High-Emission Vehicle Imports

The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced sensitisation on the Federal Government’s Green Tax policy ahead of its implementation, saying the initiative is aimed at reducing the importation of high-emission vehicles while promoting a cleaner and healthier environment across the country.

The sensitisation programme, held on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, for officers and stakeholders in Zone ‘C’ at the Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Public Relations Officer of the Command, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Paul Gimba, and made available to journalists on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.

Speaking at the opening of the programme, the Acting Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘C’, Ag. Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Pascal Chibuoke, described the Green Tax as a key government policy that supports environmental sustainability, saying, “This initiative would encourage environmentally responsible practices, improve revenue generation and align the country’s tax policies.”

Delivering the technical session, the Comptroller in charge of Tariff and Trade, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, said the Green Tax takes effect from 1 July 2026 and is specifically designed to discourage the importation of vehicles with high carbon emissions.

He explained that, “Vehicles with engine capacities below 2,000cc are exempt, while those between 2,000cc and 3,999cc will attract a two per cent surcharge, with vehicles above 4,000cc attracting four per cent.”

Comptroller Mu’azu, who said that electric vehicles, mass transit buses and locally manufactured vehicles are exempt from the Green Tax, while hybrid vehicles remain liable, also disclosed that, “Federal Government has reduced import levies on vehicles, with new vehicles now attracting a 10 per cent levy and used vehicles five per cent.”

According to him, trailers and truck heads under Heading 87.16 will attract a 25 per cent levy to encourage local manufacturing, noting that vehicles already in the country before the commencement date will not be affected.

In his closing remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt II Area Command, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, urged officers to apply the knowledge gained during the sensitisation in their various Commands and ensure that stakeholders receive accurate information on the new policy.