The Federal Government of Nigeria has banned the importation of cement, poultry products, pharmaceuticals, and several other goods from countries outside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the ministry of finance and signed by Wale Edun as part of the 2026 fiscal policy measures.
According to the circular, the affected items form part of a revised 17-item import prohibition list targeting goods originating from non-ECOWAS countries.
The government also granted a 90-day grace period for importers who had already initiated transactions before April 1, 2026, allowing them to clear goods under the old duty regime.
Key items on the ban list include:
1.Poultry and related products
2.Cement
3.Pharmaceutical products
4.Fertilisers (NPK)
5.Processed foods and beverages
6.Soaps, detergents, and packaging materials
Additionally, the government introduced a 2% green tax on certain categories of motor vehicles as part of broader fiscal reforms.
The policy is aimed at boosting local production, protecting regional trade within ECOWAS, and reducing dependence on imports.
