From today, Monday, 8 September 2025, Nigerians bringing goods into the country—including air passengers—will be required to pay import duties on items worth more than $300, following a new directive by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The announcement was contained in a press statement issued on Sunday by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada.
According to the statement, 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, approved the introduction of a “de minimis” threshold of $300 for low-value imports, including goods carried in passenger baggage.
What “de minimis” Means
The term de minimis refers to the minimum value below which imported goods are exempt from payment of customs duties and related taxes. The NCS explained that this is a globally recognised trade facilitation measure designed to simplify customs clearance, reduce delays, and encourage e-commerce.
With the new policy, goods valued at $300 or less will not attract import duty, while anything above that amount—whether purchased online or brought in by travellers—will now be subject to applicable customs duties and taxes. The exemption applies only four times per year per importer or traveller.
Historical Context: What Has Changed
Previously, Nigeria’s customs practice regarding passenger baggage and low-value imports was less formally defined, often relying on discretionary waivers by officers at airports and land border posts. Many travellers were permitted to bring in personal effects, gifts, or small purchases without duty, provided these were not in commercial quantities.
However, the absence of a clearly defined threshold led to inconsistent application and frequent disputes between travellers and customs officials. By introducing a fixed de minimis threshold of $300, the NCS aims to eliminate this ambiguity, bringing Nigeria in line with countries such as South Africa and Kenya, which also operate specified duty-free limits for passenger baggage and low-value consignments.
Impact on Nigerians
The directive is expected to have far-reaching consequences for Nigerians, particularly air passengers returning from trips abroad and low-income households who often rely on relatives to send small but essential items such as clothing, electronics, or personal goods.
While the NCS said the measure “aligns with global best practice” and would improve transparency, trade facilitation, and Nigeria’s compliance with international agreements such as the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, many Nigerians are likely to feel the pinch.
Analysts warn that the $300 cap may place additional financial strain on ordinary citizens, particularly with the current high cost of living. For families dependent on small-scale cross-border purchases or remittances in kind, the new tariff system could mean higher prices and fewer goods making it into the country.
Stakeholder Reactions
A Lagos-based trade economist, Adetunde Falodun, said the policy “might be justifiable from a revenue and compliance perspective, but the threshold is relatively low in today’s economy, where the price of even basic household electronics easily exceeds $300.” He added that the government should consider revising the cap upwards to avoid penalising ordinary consumers.
Small-scale traders, especially those in Lagos and Kano who rely on imports of fashion and electronics, have also expressed concern.
“This will hurt our businesses. Many of us bring in goods in small quantities through passengers or courier services. Now customers will pay more because we have to factor in duties,” said Chika Eze, a trader at the Computer Village in Lagos.
Travel industry experts noted that the new rule could also affect travel patterns. An official of a major airline in Abuja, who requested anonymity, explained: “Many Nigerians travel with personal shopping, not luxury. If they now face extra costs at the airport, some may cut back on trips or reduce spending abroad.”
Advocacy groups also raised concerns about the effect on low-income households. The Centre for Social Justice called on Customs to provide “clear and transparent implementation guidelines” to avoid arbitrary charges at airports, warning that the regulation could otherwise be used to exploit ordinary travellers.
Enforcement and Compliance
The NCS has also warned against manipulation of invoices or attempts to evade duty obligations. It said offenders risk forfeiture of goods, arrest, and other sanctions under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
To ease the transition, the Service plans to set up multi-channel helpdesk platforms to provide information, compliance guidance, and complaint resolution for travellers, importers, and e-commerce operators.
Demotion of Officers
Beyond trade policy, the Customs Board also addressed disciplinary issues during its latest meeting, demoting two officers over misconduct and reinstating two others after review. The Board stressed zero tolerance for abuse of banned substances and unethical behaviour among its personnel.
Maiwada, in his statement, reaffirmed that the Customs Service remained committed to accountability, discipline, and reforms aimed at strengthening public trust.
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