The idea of export-prohibited items in Nigeria may appear strange to many people, as the Nigerian government often emphasizes exportation over importation.
The importance of exports to the development of a nation’s economy can never be overemphasized. Exports of goods and services help a country achieve much-needed foreign exchange, which in turn strengthens the nation’s currency.
However, despite the obvious importance of exports to the Nigerian economy, the Nigerian government has, through the Nigerian customs service, come up with policies that prohibit the exportation of certain goods or products. The reason for the prohibition of these items that will be discussed presently is not far-fetched from the protection of the interest of the local manufacturers.
A lot of Nigerians have ran into trouble by trying to export some of the items which have been prohibited by law, largely due to ignorance of the law. But, as the saying goes, Ignorance Of The Law Is Not An Excuse.
Also read: Nigeria import prohibited list 2024
Consequently, this post seeks to list those items that you are not legally permitted to export out of Nigeria in 2020 so that you wouldn’t have issues with the law enforcement agencies of Nigeria. By extension, the exportation of these items is strictly frowned upon and will attract the wrath of the law. So, without expending more time, let’s quickly look at the items in question.
Export Prohibited Items In Nigeria
Below is the list of Export Prohibited Items In Nigeria 2025 by the Nigerian customs service. They include:
- Maize
- Timber (rough or sawn)
- Raw hides and skin (including Wet Blue and all unfinished leather) H.S. Codes 4101.2000.00 – 4108.9200.00
- Scrap Metals
- Unprocessed rubber latex and rubber lumps
- Artefacts and Antiquities
- Wildlife animals are classified as endangered species and their products
e.g. Crocodile; Elephant, Lizard, Eagle, Monkey, Zebra, Lion etc. - All goods imported.
It’s pertinent to observe here that by All Goods Imported above, it means that you are not permitted by law to export any product that you imported from another country. For example, if you imported a phone from, let’s say, China, you are not permitted to export that same phone to any other country.
Tips for exporters
- Hiring an expert in trade law is strongly encouraged.
- Understand the legal and regulatory framework that affects access to your product’s market.
- Safeguard your intellectual property (IP) rights, if there are any.
- Do not participate in the sale or distribution of prohibited products.
- Meet the regulatory obligations set by local and international authorities.
- Regularly stay informed about fraud, scams, and corruption trends.
Nigeria Export Prohibition List FAQ
Can I export maize from Nigeria?
Although widely cultivated in Nigeria, maize is currently not allowed for export due to a government ban.
The ban is intended to safeguard national food security since maize is a vital part of the Nigerian diet.
What cannot be mailed to Nigeria?
The following are banned: coins, paper money, bearer securities, travel checks, precious metals and stones, jewelry, timepieces, and other items of significant value.
What products are banned from import in Nigeria?
Special approval is needed to import products like diapers and school books, while items such as maize and timber are on the export prohibition list.
So that is it, guys. Now that you have known the Export Prohibited Items In Nigeria 2024, you can use the comment section below to tell us what you feel about the said lists above. Do you think that those items there on the list are supposed to be there? Let’s hear your views.