Nigerian Customs begins 2026 tariff reforms, introduces Green Tax on luxury vehicles

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has commenced implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments approved by President Bola Tinubu to strengthen Nigeria’s trade and fiscal framework.

NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, saying the measures would enhance economic competitiveness and boost revenue generation.

He said the reforms were also designed to align Nigeria’s tariff regime with regional and international obligations while supporting legitimate trade and fiscal administration nationwide.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, recently announced revised import duties while defending the service’s 2026 budget proposal before lawmakers.

Mr Adeniyi said the revised tariff regime formed part of the Federal Government’s broader 2026 fiscal policy and was expected to stimulate economic activities.

Mr Maiwada said the amendments would support domestic industrial development, facilitate legitimate trade and improve administration of fiscal and tariff policies across the country.

“The approved amendments include the Revised Import Adjustment Tax List for the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2022–2027),” he said.

He said other measures included the Revised National List under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff framework and the Revised Import Prohibition List (Trade).

According to him, the reforms also cover the Revised List of Goods Liable to Excise Duty, the Green Tax Surcharge on vehicles above 2000cc and the Revised Export Prohibition List.

Mr Maiwada urged importers, exporters, manufacturers, licensed customs agents and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the amended tariff schedules.

He said stakeholders must ensure full compliance with the fiscal and regulatory requirements applicable to their transactions under the new regime.

“To facilitate seamless implementation and promote transparency, the service has made the complete 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments available for download,” he said.

Mr Maiwada said the documents could be accessed through the official website of the Nigeria Customs Service https://customs.gov.ng/publications/circulars/customs-excise-tariff-etc-variation-order2026.

He urged stakeholders to carefully study the provisions to ensure compliance with the approved fiscal measures and tariff amendments.

“The service remains committed to supporting government policies while fulfilling its mandate of trade facilitation, revenue collection and border security,” he said.

Mr Maiwada added that successful implementation of the reforms required cooperation from all stakeholders to build a more competitive, transparent and sustainable economy.
NAN