The Federal Government has updated its list of restricted imports, adding products like cement, fertiliser, and soaps. This brings the total number of affected categories to 17.
The update by Platinum Post News was announced in a circular from the Federal Ministry of Finance and approved by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. The decision follows presidential approval of the 2026 fiscal policy framework.
According to the circular, the new policy started on April 1, 2026, in line with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff. The government explained that the restrictions apply mainly to goods imported from countries outside the ECOWAS region as part of efforts to protect local industries. The document listed affected items such as poultry, pork, beef, eggs (except for research), vegetable oils, packaged sugar, cocoa products, tomatoes, and soft drinks with sweeteners. Other items include cement, fertilisers, soaps, paper materials, glass bottles, some steel products, and ballpoint pens.
The government also introduced an Import Adjustment Tax covering 192 items. It said the tax will be reduced gradually from 2027 and removed completely by 2036, in line with Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
In addition, new excise duties, including a green tax, will begin on July 1, 2026, with a 90-day grace period for businesses to adjust. Goods imported before April 1, 2026, with valid documents will still follow the old rules within the grace period, while new imports will follow the new policy.