The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a 300-dollar duty-free limit for imports under a new policy that comes into effect on Sept. 8.
Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja that the decision was taken at the board’s 63rd regular meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun.
Maiwada explained that the initiative, known as the “De Minimis” threshold, is designed to stimulate cross-border e-commerce, reduce clearance delays and strengthen Nigeria’s role as a regional leader in trade facilitation.
He said the threshold represents the value below which imported goods are exempted from duties and taxes, in line with international best practices and provisions of the NCS Act 2023.
“After a comprehensive review of similar practices across continents, the board approved 300 U.S. dollars as Nigeria’s official De Minimis threshold. This exemption applies to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage, limited to four importations annually,” he stated.
He noted that goods worth 300 dollars or less would be exempted from duties and taxes provided they are not restricted or prohibited, while passenger baggage of the same value would also qualify. The framework, he added, ensures immediate clearance of eligible consignments without post-release documentation.
Maiwada warned that attempts to manipulate invoices or evade duty obligations would attract forfeiture, arrest and other sanctions under the law. He said NCS had created multi-channel helpdesks to guide stakeholders on compliance, resolve complaints and ensure smooth implementation.
He further stressed that the service remains committed to accountability and integrity, noting that personnel are expected to uphold values of fairness and national responsibility.
On disciplinary matters, Maiwada said the board considered cases following recent viral videos of officer misconduct. Two officers were demoted, while two others were reinstated after favourable reviews. The demoted officers will undergo medical re-evaluation to determine their fitness for service.
The board also issued a warning against abuse of banned substances and other unethical behaviour, stressing such conduct would not be tolerated.
(NAN)