The Federal Government has announced a sweeping ban on the importation of poultry products, cement, pharmaceuticals and several agricultural goods from countries outside the Economic Community of West African States, as part of its 2026 fiscal policy reforms.

Details of the new directive

The decision was contained in a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, dated April 1, 2026.

According to the document, the affected goods are part of a revised import prohibition list covering 17 items, targeting products originating from non-ECOWAS member states.

The policy forms part of broader tariff amendments under the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures, replacing the 2023 framework.

Grace period for existing importers

The ministry said importers who had already initiated transactions before the new policy took effect would be given a 90-day window to complete them.

“In addition, a grace period of ninety (90) days shall be granted to all importers who had opened Form ‘M’ and must have entered into irrevocable Trade Agreement before the coming into effect of this circular,” the statement read.

It added that any new import transactions from April 1 would fall strictly under the new regime.

Items affected

Products listed under the prohibition include poultry, beef and pork, eggs, refined vegetable oils, sugar, cocoa products and tomatoes.

Also affected are non-alcoholic beverages, bagged cement, certain pharmaceutical products, fertilisers, soaps, detergents, paper materials, glass bottles, steel items, and ballpoint pens.

New tax on vehicles

Alongside the import restrictions, the government introduced a two per cent green tax on motor vehicles.

The levy applies to vehicles with engine capacities between 2009cc and above 4000cc, as part of efforts to align with environmental and fiscal policies.

The ministry noted that the new measures will be formally published in the Official Federal Government Gazette.