The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled an extensive list of items that will be prohibited from importation into the country in 2026.
The move aims to protect local industries, encourage domestic production, and reduce reliance on foreign goods, officials said.
The announcement covers a wide range of products, particularly in the food and beverage sectors.
Among the banned items are live or frozen birds and poultry, as well as pork, beef, and bird eggs (excluding hatching eggs), under several Harmonized System (HS) codes.
Additionally, the government restricted the importation of refined vegetable oils and fats, with exceptions for linseed, castor, and olive oils, while crude vegetable oils remain unrestricted.
Cane and beet sugar, chemically pure sucrose in retail packs, cocoa products, spaghetti, noodles, and retail-packed tomato products — including paste, concentrates, ketchup, and sauces — are also prohibited.
Beverages and alcohol are affected as well. While energy and health drinks like Power Horse and Red Ginseng are allowed, fruit juices in retail packs, sugary mineral water, and all bottled or canned beer and stout are banned.
The ban extends beyond food, covering bagged cement, certain medicines (including paracetamol, chloroquine, multivitamins, aspirin, intravenous fluids, and expired pharmaceuticals), and NPK fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, although organic fertilizers remain permitted.
Other prohibited items include soaps, detergents, mosquito coils, rethreaded and used tires, corrugated cartons, toilet paper, tissues, exercise books, carpets, rugs, footwear, bags, suitcases, glass bottles over 150ml, used compressors, air conditioners, fridges, freezers, used motor vehicles over 12 years old, and certain pen parts.
Exemptions exist for baby diapers, adult incontinence pads, safety shoes, sports shoes, canvas shoes, and CKD footwear components.
The full list of restricted goods can be accessed on the Federal Government’s Nigeria Trade Portal, providing importers and businesses with detailed guidance to comply with the 2026 regulations.
