The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments approved by President Bola Tinubu, introducing a series of changes to the country’s customs and excise framework aimed at boosting local industries, improving trade and strengthening revenue collection.
The Service said the new measures, which take immediate effect, are expected to support domestic manufacturing, improve the administration of customs duties and align Nigeria’s trade policies with regional agreements under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada.
According to the statement, the approved Fiscal Policy Measures introduce wide-ranging amendments to Nigeria’s Customs and Excise Tariff system as part of the Federal Government’s broader economic reforms.
The Customs Service said the changes are designed to encourage industrial growth, facilitate legitimate trade, improve compliance with customs regulations and make the country’s fiscal and tariff administration more efficient.
It explained that importers, exporters, manufacturers, licensed customs agents and other stakeholders in the trade sector are expected to study the revised tariff schedules carefully and ensure they comply with the new rules.
Among the major changes announced by Customs is the implementation of a revised Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) List under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) for the 2022–2027 period.
The revised National List under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff has also been approved as part of the new fiscal measures.
Other amendments include a revised Import Prohibition List covering goods that are not permitted into Nigeria under existing trade regulations.
The government also introduced a revised list of goods that are liable to excise duty, a move expected to affect manufacturers and businesses producing or dealing in those products.
Another key feature of the new policy is the introduction of a Green Tax Surcharge on motor vehicles with engine capacities of 2,000cc and above.
Although the Customs statement did not provide details of the applicable rates, the policy forms part of the government’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability by discouraging the use of vehicles with higher emissions.
The approved measures also include a revised Export Prohibition List, which outlines goods that cannot be exported from Nigeria under current government regulations.
Customs said all stakeholders should familiarise themselves with the new provisions to avoid delays, penalties or violations during import and export transactions.
According to the Service, the complete 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments have been uploaded to its official website to make it easier for businesses and stakeholders to access the new guidelines.
The agency said making the documents publicly available would promote transparency and ensure a smooth transition to the new tariff regime.
“In line with the approved Fiscal Policy Measures, 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.
The Service added that the successful implementation of the policy depends on the cooperation of everyone involved in Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
It reiterated its commitment to supporting government economic policies while carrying out its core responsibilities of trade facilitation, revenue generation and border security.
“The Service remains committed to supporting government policies while fulfilling its mandate of trade facilitation, revenue collection and border security. The successful implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments requires the cooperation of 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 new fiscal measures comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to reform Nigeria’s economy, diversify revenue sources and improve the business environment.
Customs duties and excise taxes remain important sources of government revenue, especially as authorities seek to reduce dependence on oil earnings.
The Nigeria Customs Service has in recent years intensified efforts to modernise its operations through digital platforms, improved cargo clearance systems and stronger enforcement against smuggling and other forms of customs violations.
The ECOWAS Common External Tariff, which forms part of the new amendments, is a regional trade policy adopted by member states to harmonise import duty rates across West Africa.
The tariff framework is intended to promote regional integration, simplify trade procedures and encourage the free movement of goods within the ECOWAS region while protecting local industries from unfair competition.
Nigeria periodically reviews its national tariff schedules to reflect changes in economic priorities, industrial needs and regional trade commitments.
The revised Import Adjustment Tax and National List allow the country to make limited adjustments to the regional tariff structure where necessary to protect strategic sectors of the economy.
Manufacturers have often called on the government to use tariff policies to encourage local production, reduce excessive dependence on imports and create more employment opportunities.
Importers and exporters, on the other hand, have consistently sought clear and predictable customs procedures to reduce delays and improve the ease of doing business.
The introduction of the Green Tax Surcharge also reflects the government’s growing interest in promoting cleaner transportation and aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, although industry stakeholders are expected to seek further clarification on how the surcharge will be implemented.
Businesses are therefore expected to carefully review the amended tariff schedules and adjust their operations where necessary to remain compliant with the new regulations.
With the new fiscal measures now in force, attention will focus on their impact on government revenue, trade activities, local manufacturing and the cost of doing business in Nigeria.