As of today, July 1, 2026, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially commenced the implementation of the new Green Tax Surcharge across all ports and border stations nationwide.
This initiative is a core component of the Federal Government's 2026 Fiscal Policy measures, aimed at curbing carbon emissions and aligning Nigeria’s transport sector with global environmental standards.
What the "Green Tax" Means for You
The new policy introduces a surcharge specifically targeting high-emission imported vehicles based on their engine capacity:
2,000cc to 3,999cc: Vehicles in this range will attract a 2% levy.
4,000cc and above: High-capacity vehicles will face a 4% charge.
Exemptions: To encourage the adoption of cleaner transportation, the following categories are exempt from the Green Tax:
Vehicles with engine capacities below 2,000cc.
Mass transit buses.
Electric vehicles.
Locally manufactured vehicles.
Balancing the Scales: Import Duty Reductions
To cushion the impact of this new environmental levy on importers and the general public, the Federal Government has simultaneously implemented significant reductions in import adjustment taxes:
New Vehicles: Import adjustment taxes have been slashed from 20% down to 10%.
Used Vehicles: Import adjustment taxes have been reduced from 15% down to 5%.
Official Stance
In recent stakeholder engagements held at the Apapa Area Command, the Nigeria Customs Service emphasized that the Green Tax is not a traditional fiscal measure but a targeted environmental policy. The Service has introduced a simplified assessment mechanism through the Harmonised System (HS) Code platform to ensure transparency and ease of compliance for clearing agents and importers.
"Our objective is to eliminate uncertainty, promote voluntary compliance, and guarantee uniform application of the Green Tax Surcharge across all commands," stated representatives of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
Stay tuned to PORTHARCOURTBLOG as we monitor how this policy impacts local vehicle prices and the transportation sector in Rivers State.
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