The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA), has advised the Federal Government of Nigeria to remove import tariffs and Value Added Tax (VAT) on renewable energy products and components
Making this appeal in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, ERA stated that if this was done, Nigeria will be a major supplier of renewable energy in Africa
The body added that over 70 percent countries in the continent do not have renewable energy.
Programme Manager of ERA, Mike Karikpo, while making the remarks, commended the Federal Government for already approving a zero import duty for machinery and equipment used in the power sector, adding that it is imperative for government to pay greater attention to renewable energy products.
Karikpo said: “We call on the Federal Government to immediately implement zero Value Added Tax, VAT, policy on all renewable energy products and components to accelerate growth of the renewable energy sector.
“We acknowledge of a fact that the Federal Government had approved a zero import duty for machinery and equipment used in the power sector, especially those locally produced.”