The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a new policy setting a $300 duty-free limit for imports, effective from September 8, 2025.
Spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Maiwada, announced this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, following 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, known globally as the “De Minimis” threshold, is designed to stimulate cross-border e-commerce, reduce clearance delays, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in trade facilitation.
“The De Minimis threshold is the value below which imported goods are exempted from payment of customs duties and related taxes established by national legislation,” he explained.
According to him, the board approved $300 as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold after reviewing similar practices across the world. The exemption will apply to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage, subject to a maximum of four importations per year.
“The threshold, which aligns with provisions of the NCS Act 2023 as well as international agreements including the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention, will exempt goods valued at $300 or less from import duties and taxes, provided they are not prohibited or restricted items,” Maiwada added.
He noted that the framework also guarantees the immediate release of eligible consignments without post-release documentation, while strict sanctions await stakeholders who attempt to manipulate invoices or evade duty obligations.
To ensure smooth implementation, he said the NCS has established multi-channel helpdesk platforms to provide guidance on compliance, address inquiries, and resolve complaints.
Maiwada further assured that the service remains committed to accountability, discipline, and integrity in carrying out its mandate.
On disciplinary matters, he disclosed that the board deliberated on cases of misconduct recently exposed through viral social media videos.
“In line with this, the board approved the demotion of two officers to the next lower rank, while reinstating two others whose cases were favourably reconsidered,” he said.
He explained that the sanctioned officers would undergo a mandatory medical re-evaluation to determine their fitness to serve, stressing that the measure is intended to deter others.
The spokesperson added that the board also issued a stern warning against substance abuse and unethical behaviour, insisting that such conduct “would not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
