The Federal Government has introduced a new import restriction policy banning several goods, including poultry products, cement, pharmaceuticals, and selected agricultural items from countries outside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, dated April 1, 2026.
According to the circular, the affected products are part of a revised import prohibition schedule covering 17 categories of goods. The policy forms part of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and updated tariff framework, which replaces the 2023 version.
The government also introduced a 90-day transition period for importers who had already begun transactions before the new rules took effect. During this period, importers with valid agreements and documentation will be allowed to complete existing deals.
However, any new importation from April 1, 2026, will be fully subject to the new import duty and restriction regime.
Items included in the prohibition list cover a wide range of goods such as live or frozen poultry, meat products including beef and pork, eggs (with limited exceptions), refined vegetable oils, sugar, cocoa-based products, tomatoes, and certain beverages.
Other restricted items include bagged cement, selected pharmaceutical products, fertilisers, soaps, detergents, paper products, glass containers, steel materials, and stationery items such as ballpoint pens.
In addition to the import restrictions, a two per cent green tax surcharge has been introduced on motor vehicles with engine capacities ranging from 2009cc and above.
The Ministry of Finance stated that the updated fiscal measures will be officially published in the Federal Government Gazette.
