Importers, exporters get fresh Customs rules as tariff changes begin

The Nigeria Customs Service has begun enforcing the Federal Government’s 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments following approval by President Bola Tinubu, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s trade and revenue framework.

Announcing the development in Abuja on Wednesday, the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the revised measures are intended to improve the country’s economic competitiveness, strengthen revenue generation and bring Nigeria’s tariff structure in line with regional and international commitments.

He explained that the policy changes would also enhance the administration of fiscal regulations while encouraging lawful trade across the country.

The implementation follows recent remarks by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, during the defence of the Service’s 2026 budget proposal before the National Assembly. Adeniyi had stated that the updated import duty structure formed part of the Federal Government’s wider fiscal agenda for 2026 and would help stimulate economic growth.

Maiwada said the latest amendments were designed to encourage local industrial expansion, simplify legitimate trade activities and improve the management of customs and fiscal policies.

“The approved amendments include the Revised Import Adjustment Tax List for the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2022–2027),” he said.

He disclosed that the package also comprises the Revised National List under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff framework, the Revised Import Prohibition List (Trade), the Revised List of Goods Liable to Excise Duty, the Green Tax Surcharge on vehicles above 2000cc and the Revised Export Prohibition List.

The Customs spokesman urged importers, exporters, manufacturers, licensed customs agents and other stakeholders to study the revised schedules carefully and comply fully with all applicable fiscal and regulatory requirements.

“To facilitate seamless implementation and promote transparency, the service has made the complete 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments available for download,” he said.

According to him, the documents can be obtained from the Nigeria Customs Service’s official website, where stakeholders are encouraged to acquaint themselves with the new provisions to ensure smooth compliance.

Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Maiwada said:

“The service remains committed to supporting government policies while fulfilling its mandate of trade facilitation, revenue collection and border security.”

He added that effective implementation of the reforms would depend on active collaboration between the Service and stakeholders, describing such cooperation as essential to building a more competitive, transparent and sustainable economy.