Federal Government has banned the importation of cement, poultry products, pharmaceutical items, and several other goods from countries outside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision is contained in a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, as part of the 2026 fiscal policy measures.
According to the document, the restriction affects 17 categories of goods listed under a revised import prohibition list, which applies specifically to products originating from non-ECOWAS countries.
Items affected include frozen and live poultry, meat products, eggs (with limited exceptions), refined vegetable oils, sugar, cocoa products, beverages, and bagged cement. The list also covers various medicines, pharmaceutical waste, fertilisers, soaps, detergents, and some industrial and packaging materials.
The policy took effect from April 1, 2026, under Nigeria’s updated fiscal and trade framework aligned with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff.
The government said the move is aimed at strengthening local production, protecting domestic industries, and reducing dependence on imports.
However, a 90-day grace period has been granted to importers who had already initiated transactions before the policy came into effect, allowing them to clear their goods under the previous duty regime.
The new directive is expected to reshape Nigeria’s import structure and boost local manufacturing across key sectors.
