A new policy effective today, September 8, 2025, introduces a de minimis threshold for import duties on goods brought into Nigeria by air passengers and other travellers.

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) approved the new duty-free threshold of $300 for imported goods, according to a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Customs Spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada. The decision was reached at the board’s 63rd regular meeting, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

What’s Changing

• New threshold: Goods valued at $300 or less are exempt from import duties and taxes. Items above $300 will incur applicable duties.
• Frequency limit: The exemption applies only four times per year per importer or traveller.
• Who it affects: All travellers and importers, including online purchases and items carried in passenger baggage.

Why This Change Was Implemented

• Policy rationale: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) aims to simplify customs clearance, reduce delays, and align Nigeria with global best practices for trade facilitation.
• Global context: The move brings Nigeria in line with other countries that maintain duty-free limits for passenger baggage and low-value consignments.

How It Works

• The term “de minimis” refers to the minimum value below which goods are exempt from duties and taxes.
• Under the new policy, duties apply only to goods valued above $300.
• The measure targets decongestion at borders and airports, while promoting e-commerce efficiency.

Potential Impacts

• Affordability for consumers: Some analysts warn that the $300 cap may still be low in today’s economy, where even basic electronics can exceed $300.
• Impact on traders: Small-scale importers and traders may face higher costs if their purchases frequently push totals above the threshold.
• Travel behaviour: Some travellers might reduce shopping abroad due to added costs at the point of entry.

Stakeholder Reactions

• Economists: A Lagos-based trade economist suggested raising the cap to avoid penalising ordinary consumers and to improve overall compliance.
• Traders: Computer Village traders and others relying on small-quantity imports expressed concern about higher costs passed to customers.
• Travel industry: Airlines indicated potential shifts in travel patterns if personal shopping becomes more expensive at airports.
• Advocacy groups: The Centre for Social Justice urged clear, transparent guidelines to prevent arbitrary charges and protect low-income households.

Enforcement & Compliance

• The NCS warns against misreporting invoices and evading duties, with penalties including forfeiture of goods and possible arrests under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
• A multi-channel helpdesk will be established to provide information, guidance, and complaint resolution for travellers, importers, and e-commerce operators.

Administrative Notes

• The policy was approved by the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) at its 63rd regular meeting, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
• Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer for the NCS, issued the accompanying press statement.