Nigeria Customs Rolls Out 2026 Tariff Reforms, Urges Traders to Comply with New Fiscal Measures
Says revised import taxes, excise duties and ECOWAS tariff framework aimed at boosting local industries, enhancing trade and strengthening revenue generation
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the implementation of the Federal Government’s 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments, introducing sweeping changes to Nigeria’s customs and excise tariff regime aimed at promoting industrial growth, facilitating legitimate trade, improving revenue generation and aligning the country’s trade policies with regional and international obligations.
The announcement was contained in a press statement issued by the Nigeria Customs Service and signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, mnipr, mniia, for the Comptroller-General of Customs, on 29 July 2026.
According to the Service, the new fiscal measures, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, form part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal and trade policy framework while enhancing economic competitiveness and improving the administration of customs and tariff policies nationwide.
The NCS explained that the reforms introduce comprehensive amendments to the country’s Customs and Excise Tariff structure designed to support domestic manufacturing, stimulate economic growth and create a more transparent and predictable trading environment.
Among the key policy changes are the Revised Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) List for the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2022–2027), the Revised National List under the same ECOWAS framework, the Revised Import Prohibition List (Trade), the Revised List of Goods Liable to Excise Duty, a Green Tax Surcharge on motor vehicles with engine capacities of 2,000cc and above, and the Revised Export Prohibition List.
The Service urged importers, exporters, manufacturers, licensed customs agents and other stakeholders in the trade value chain to study the revised tariff schedules and ensure strict compliance with all applicable fiscal and regulatory provisions.
“Importers, exporters, manufacturers, licensed customs agents and other stakeholders are required to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the amended tariff schedules and ensure full compliance with the applicable fiscal and regulatory requirements governing their respective transactions,” the statement said.
To ensure a seamless transition, the Nigeria Customs Service disclosed that the complete 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments have been uploaded to its official website for easy access by stakeholders.
According to the Service, making the document publicly available is intended to promote transparency, improve compliance and provide businesses with adequate guidance on the new fiscal regime.
The Customs Service reiterated its commitment to implementing government economic policies while sustaining its statutory responsibilities of trade facilitation, revenue collection and border security.
“The Service remains committed to supporting government policies while fulfilling its mandate of trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security. Successful implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments requires cooperation from all stakeholders in the trade ecosystem as we collectively work to build a more competitive, transparent, and sustainable economy,” the statement added.
The implementation of the revised fiscal measures is expected to provide greater clarity in tariff administration, encourage local industrial development and strengthen Nigeria’s position within the ECOWAS Common External Tariff framework while supporting the Federal Government’s broader economic reform agenda.
