Nigeria customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Nigeria's customs enforcement is strict, with a major focus on cash declaration and bans on pork and certain medications. All travellers must declare cash over $10,000 and pay duty on goods exceeding $800 in value. Failure to comply can result in seizure and fines.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare cash or equivalent instruments over NGN 7,700,000 (approx. $10,000) using the Customs Declaration Form (CDF). Failure to declare can lead to seizure and a fine of up to 50% of the undeclared amount.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods up to $800 (approx. NGN 616,000). Above that, duty is charged at rates from 5% to 35% depending on the item.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine)
  • Pork and pork products (bacon, ham, sausages)
  • Firearms and ammunition without a permit
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Pornographic materials
  • Used clothing (second-hand clothes) without a permit from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing codeine, tramadol, or other controlled substances (require NAFDAC permit)
  • Drones (require approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority)
  • Satellite phones (require a permit from the Nigerian Communications Commission)
  • Plants and seeds (require phytosanitary certificate)
  • Wildlife products (require CITES permit)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Upon arrival, you'll receive a Customs Declaration Form (CDF). Fill it out and proceed to the Red channel if you have goods to declare (including cash over $10,000 or dutiable items). Otherwise, use the Green channel. Officers may still inspect your luggage.

Bringing medication

Personal medications are allowed for up to 3 months' supply with a valid prescription. Codeine, tramadol, and other controlled substances require a permit from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Food, plants & animal products

All food items, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Pork and pork products are banned. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat require a phytosanitary certificate and may be subject to quarantine.

Rules worth knowing

Used clothing ban

Importing used clothing (second-hand clothes) is banned unless you have a permit from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). This applies even to personal luggage if you're bringing in large quantities.

Cash declaration is mandatory

You must declare any cash or bearer negotiable instruments over $10,000 (or equivalent) on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to do so can result in seizure and a fine of up to 50% of the undeclared amount.

Duty on personal electronics

Laptops, phones, and cameras for personal use are generally duty-free, but if you bring multiple units (e.g., 3 phones), customs may treat them as commercial goods and charge duty.

Frequently asked questions

No, personal laptops and phones are generally duty-free. But if you bring more than one of each, customs may consider them commercial and charge duty.
Yes, but you must declare any amount over NGN 5,000 (approx. $6.50) on the Customs Declaration Form. There is no limit on foreign currency, but amounts over $10,000 must be declared.
Undeclared cash over $10,000 can be seized, and you may face a fine of up to 50% of the amount. In serious cases, you could be charged with money laundering.
Yes, all food items must be declared. Pork and pork products are banned. Other meats, dairy, and fresh produce require a phytosanitary certificate and may be inspected.
Yes, up to a 3-month supply with a valid prescription. For controlled substances like codeine or tramadol, you need a NAFDAC permit. Carry the prescription and a doctor's letter.
Yes, they fall under the $800 personal goods allowance. If the total value exceeds $800, duty is charged on the excess at rates up to 35%.
If you stay airside and don't clear customs, you don't need to declare anything. But if you leave the transit area, you must go through customs and declare any dutiable goods.

Official source

Nigeria Customs Service

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Nigeria Customs Service before travelling.