Nigeria Customs Service Publishes 2026 List of Banned Food Imports

The Nigerian Customs Service published its updated list of prohibited food imports for 2026, maintaining bans on live and frozen poultry, pork, beef and all eggs except hatching eggs. The restrictions are part of government efforts to stimulate local agricultural production and reduce import dependency. Traders dealing in frozen chicken reported the ban has kept domestic poultry prices elevated, with frozen chicken still at ?4,800/kg at major markets during the Ramadan period. Food security analysts note the policy creates asymmetric pressure — protecting local producers in proteins while import waivers simultaneously undercut domestic grains. NAFDAC continues enforcement at Lagos port and Apapa Wharf.