The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a $300 duty-free threshold for imports, a new policy set to take effect on 8 September.
The Spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Maiwada, announced the decision in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, noting it was reached at the board’s 63rd regular meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun.
Maiwada said the initiative, also known as the De Minimis threshold, was designed to promote cross-border e-commerce, minimise clearance delays and strengthen Nigeria’s standing in trade facilitation.
“After a comprehensive review of similar practices across continents, the board approved 300 U.S. dollars as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold,” he said. “This exemption will apply to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage.”
According to him, the threshold is restricted to four importations per annum and is anchored on the NCS Act 2023, as well as international agreements including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Revised Kyoto Convention.
Maiwada explained that goods valued at $300 or below would be exempted from duties and taxes, provided they were not prohibited or restricted items. “The framework further ensures immediate release and clearance of eligible consignments without post-release documentation,” he added.
He warned, however, that violations of the directive would attract sanctions. “Non-compliance to the directive would include forfeiture, arrest and other sanctions stipulated in the NCS Act, 2023,” he said.
The spokesperson added that helpdesk platforms had been set up to guide stakeholders on compliance requirements, resolve complaints, and ensure smooth implementation of the regulation.
On internal matters, Maiwada disclosed that the board also deliberated on recent disciplinary cases following viral videos showing misconduct by some officers. He confirmed that two officers were demoted, while two others were reinstated.
“The sanctioned officers must undergo a mandatory medical re-evaluation by a medical board to determine their fitness to remain in the service and serve as a deterrent to other officers,” he said.
He emphasised that the board had issued a stern warning against the abuse of banned substances and unethical conduct, stressing that “such behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
