Nigeria customs rules & duty-free allowances
Nigeria's customs service treats undeclared cash and commercial goods as a revenue and enforcement priority, and the consequences are severe: seizure, fines, and possible prosecution. The biggest trap for arriving passengers is the currency declaration requirement, which applies to everyone regardless of residency and is enforced with random bag searches even in the green channel.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (e.g., cocaine, heroin, cannabis, tramadol without prescription)
- Pornographic materials and obscene publications
- Counterfeit currency and counterfeit goods
- Weapons and ammunition (unless with prior permit from the Inspector-General of Police)
- Fresh meat, poultry, and dairy products from countries with animal disease outbreaks
- Certain endangered wildlife products (ivory, pangolin scales) under CITES
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Firearms and ammunition — require a police permit obtained before arrival
- Medicines containing codeine or controlled substances — need NAFDAC approval and prescription
- Live animals and plants — require veterinary or phytosanitary certificates and quarantine clearance
- Drones and satellite phones — need a permit from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
- Commercial goods in large quantities — require import documentation and duty payment
Arriving: red vs green channel
After immigration, you enter the customs hall. If you have nothing to declare and are within all allowances, use the green channel. If you exceed any allowance, are carrying cash of ₦15,000,000 (about USD 10,000) or more, or have restricted goods, use the red channel and present a completed Customs Declaration Form (available at the hall or downloadable from the Nigeria Customs Service website). Random bag searches are common even in the green channel, so declare accurately.
Bringing medication
Bring personal medication in original packaging with a copy of your prescription or doctor's letter. Nigeria strictly prohibits the import of narcotics, psychotropic substances, and many codeine-based syrups without a permit from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Common Western drugs containing codeine, tramadol, or strong sedatives are controlled and may be seized; declare them and carry documentation. Quantities should be for personal use only (typically up to 3 months' supply).
Food, plants & animal products
All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and dairy are generally prohibited or require an import permit from the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service. Processed and packaged foods are usually allowed in small quantities for personal use but may be inspected. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.
Rules worth knowing
Cash declaration is non-negotiable
If you carry ₦15,000,000 (about USD 10,000) or more, you must declare it on Form CDF. Customs can seize the entire amount if you fail to declare, and you may face prosecution. This applies to both residents and non-residents.
No duty-free allowance for residents
Nigerian residents returning from abroad are not entitled to the same duty-free allowance as non-residents. Residents must pay duty on all goods above a very small personal effects threshold. If you are a resident, expect to declare and pay.
Strict penalties for undeclared goods
Undeclared dutiable goods are subject to seizure and a fine of up to 300% of the duty payable. Customs officers at Lagos and Abuja have been known to impose on-the-spot fines. Always use the red channel if in doubt.
Currency controls on departure
When leaving Nigeria, you cannot take more than ₦15,000,000 (about USD 10,000) in cash without declaring it, and you must have proof of how you obtained the funds if asked. Taking out more than you declared on arrival can lead to seizure.