Tinubu approves new tariff amendments as Customs begins implementation

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments approved by President Bola Tinubu, saying the changes are aimed at strengthening the country’s trade and customs system.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada.
According to the Customs Service, the new fiscal measures introduce major changes to Nigeria’s Customs and Excise Tariff framework.

The reforms are designed to support local industries, encourage legitimate trade, improve revenue generation, and ensure a more efficient administration of customs and fiscal policies across the country.

The approved amendments include a revised Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) List for the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2022–2027), a revised National List for the ECOWAS Common External Tariff, an updated Import Prohibition List, a revised list of goods liable to excise duty, and a Green Tax surcharge on motor vehicles with engine capacities of 2,000cc and above. The measures also include a revised Export Prohibition List.

The Customs Service explained that the new policies are expected to provide clearer guidelines for businesses involved in international trade while promoting compliance with existing fiscal and regulatory requirements.

It urged importers, exporters, manufacturers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the amended tariff schedules and ensure that all future transactions comply with the new rules.

To make the transition easier, the Service said the complete 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments have been uploaded to its official website, where members of the public and stakeholders can access and download the documents for reference.

The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic policies through effective trade facilitation, improved revenue collection, and stronger border security.

It added that the successful implementation of the new tariff amendments will depend on the cooperation of all stakeholders in the trade sector, stressing that compliance with the revised measures will help build a more competitive, transparent, and sustainable economy while boosting Nigeria’s industrial growth and trade competitiveness.