Market News

The Nigerian government has slammed a ban on 17 goods imported into the country, including bagged cement, frozen poultry, sugar drinks, detergents, soaps, and others.

This was contained in a circular signed by the minister of finance, Wale Edun, dated April 1, 2026.

The affected goods, mainly from non-ECOWAS countries, are part of 17 items listed on a revised import prohibition list.

The decision is part of Nigeria’s 2026 fiscal measures and tariff amendments affecting 127 items.

See the full list of 17 prohibited items:

Live or dead birds, including frozen poultry

Pork and beef, including tongues, livers, and shoulders of bovine animals

Bird eggs (excluding hatching eggs for breeding and research)

Refined vegetable oil (excluding linseed, castor, olive oil, and hydrogenated fats) and crude vegetable oil.

Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose in solid form with added flavoring or coloring.

Cocoa butter, powder, cakes, and cocoa fat and oil.

Tomatoes—whole, in pieces, as paste, or as concentrates.

Sugared or flavored water, mineral water, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Bagged cement.

Medicaments (medicines).

Waste pharmaceuticals.

NPK mineral or chemical fertilizers.

Soaps and detergents.

Corrugated paper, cartons, boxes, and cases.

Hollow glass bottles exceeding 150 ml capacity.

Flat-rolled iron or steel products, 600mm or wider, clad or coated—corrugated.

Ballpoint pens and refills