The federal government has prohibited the importation of several goods—including poultry products, cement, pharmaceuticals, and key 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 Wale Edun, dated April 1, 2026.
According to the document, the affected goods form part of a revised import prohibition list covering 17 items, specifically targeting products originating from non-ECOWAS member states.
“Import Prohibition list (Trade), applicable only to certain goods originating from non-ECOWAS Member States. It consists of 17 items,” the circular stated.
The new restrictions are part of the 2026 fiscal policy measures and updated tariff framework, which replace the 2023 policy guidelines.
To ease the transition, the government granted a 90-day grace period—effective from April 1, 2026—for importers who had already opened Form ‘M’ and entered into irrevocable trade agreements before the policy took effect. Such importers can clear their goods under the previous duty rates.
However, any new import transactions initiated after April 1 will be subject to the revised import regime.
Items affected by the ban include live or frozen poultry, beef and pork products, eggs (with limited exceptions), refined vegetable oil, sugar, cocoa products, tomatoes, certain beverages, bagged cement, selected medicines and waste pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, soaps and detergents, packaging materials, glass bottles, steel products, and ballpoint pens.
In addition, the government introduced a two percent green tax on motor vehicles with engine capacities ranging from 2000cc and above, as part of broader environmental and fiscal reforms.
The measures are expected to be published in the official gazette, signalling full implementation of the updated trade policy.
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