The President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Emenike Nwokeoji, has cautioned that the Federal Government’s green tax policy may not achieve its intended environmental goals unless adequate Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure is developed nationwide.
Nwokeoji spoke as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) began implementing the new fiscal policy.
He said the government should first establish sufficient CNG conversion centres and EV charging stations across the country before encouraging Nigerians to adopt alternative-fuel vehicles.
Despite his concerns, the ANLCA president praised the Federal Government for reducing import tariffs on certain categories of vehicles from 70 per cent to 40 per cent, describing the move as a welcome relief given the country’s weak public transportation system.
According to him, the tariff reduction was overdue and could make vehicle ownership more affordable for many Nigerians.
However, he expressed reservations about the implementation of the green tax, arguing that motorists currently have limited access to CNG refuelling stations and EV charging facilities.
Nwokeoji said a driver travelling between Lagos and Port Harcourt would struggle to find enough CNG stations, while charging points for electric vehicles remain scarce even within Lagos.
He argued that the government was attempting to copy policies used in developed countries without first providing the infrastructure needed to support such policies.
According to him, encouraging the importation of CNG-powered and electric vehicles without ensuring the availability of charging and refuelling facilities could discourage Nigerians from switching to cleaner transportation options.
Nwokeoji also criticised the requirement that importers of CNG and electric vehicles obtain written approval from the Federal Government before accessing import incentives.
He described the process as cumbersome and unnecessary, suggesting that approval should be integrated into the Customs clearance system so that eligible imports can be identified automatically rather than requiring importers to travel to Abuja for authorisation.
He further noted that taxes imposed on importers are eventually transferred to consumers, adding that the government should focus on expanding CNG conversion centres and EV charging infrastructure along major highways before introducing measures that could increase the cost of vehicle imports.
According to him, the few CNG conversion centres currently operating in Nigeria are inadequate and expensive, making access difficult for many motorists.
