BY GABRIEL MICHEAL—The Federal Government has prohibited the entry of poultry-related items, cement, medicines, and agricultural goods originating from countries outside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
In a directive released by the Federal Ministry of Finance and endorsed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, authorities listed 17 categories of products now restricted from being brought in through the nation’s ports. The move is expected to significantly affect importers, freight handlers, and end users.
A key aspect of the directive is the broad limitation placed on pharmaceutical imports. The updated Trade Import Ban list applies specifically to selected goods coming from non-ECOWAS nations.
The directive also introduces an Import Adjustment Levy affecting 192 tariff classifications, with a plan for gradual removal in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to the statement, beginning January 2027, these levies—except those on items under the AfCFTA’s 3 per cent category—will be reduced yearly until they are completely eliminated by 2036.
Additionally, the government confirmed that excise charges, including an environmental surcharge, will take effect from July 1, 2026, with a 90-day window provided for compliance.
The restricted items include:
- Poultry, whether alive or processed, including frozen varieties
- Pork and beef products, including parts such as liver, tongue, and shoulder
- Eggs, except those intended for breeding and research
- Processed vegetable oils, excluding certain types like linseed, castor, olive oil, and crude oils
- Sugar derived from cane or beet, including flavored or colored forms
- Cocoa-based products such as butter, powder, and cakes
- Tomatoes in all forms, including paste and concentrates
- Sweetened or flavored water and other non-alcoholic drinks
- Cement packaged in bags
- Various categories of medicines
- Discarded pharmaceutical products
- Fertilisers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)
- Cleaning products such as soaps and detergents
- Corrugated paper materials including cartons and boxes
- Glass containers exceeding 0.15 litres in capacity
- Coated or plated iron and steel sheets measuring 600mm or more in width
- Ballpoint pens and their components, including ink refills (excluding tips)
