By Smart Thankgod Muekara — Chief Superintendent of Customs, Nigeria Customs Service
Import Prohibition List — Trade
These items are prohibited from importation into Nigeria under the Nigeria Customs Service trade prohibition list. Importers must verify this list before shipping goods to Nigeria, as the list is periodically updated:
- Refined vegetable oils and fats — excluding linseed oil and castor oil
- Mosquito repellent coils
- Bagged cement
- Waste pharmaceuticals
- Spaghetti, macaroni, and pasta products
- Tomato paste in retail packs
- Certain textiles and garments
- Footwear, bags, and suitcases
- Hollow glass bottles
- Used tyres
- Second-hand clothing
- Certain vehicles above a specified age
Import Prohibition List — Trade
Absolute Prohibition
These items cannot enter or leave Nigeria under any circumstances. No licence, permit, or exemption applies:
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
- Counterfeit currency and coins
- Obscene and pornographic materials
- Toxic and hazardous waste
- Counterfeit goods and trademark-infringing products
- Indian hemp and cannabis
- Weapons of war and military ammunition without government authority
- Coral beads
Export Prohibition
These items cannot be exported from Nigeria without special government authorisation:
Maize and other food commodities during declared shortages
Raw hides and skin
Scrap metals
Unprocessed solid minerals
Timber — rough or sawn
Artifacts and antiquities
Wildlife protected under CITES
Rough diamonds without Kimberley Process certification
Always verify the current list at customs.gov.ng before shipping. Smart Thankgod Muekara — Chief Superintendent of Customs, Nigeria Customs Service — maitaf-ai.co.uk