Nigeria customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Nigeria strictly prohibits the import of all narcotics and psychotropic substances, with severe penalties including life imprisonment. For 2026, non-resident adults arriving by air receive a duty-free allowance of 1 litre of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, and personal goods up to USD 800. Cash amounts of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent) must be declared on arrival.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Traveller must be 18 years or older.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Any amount of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the Nigeria Customs Service arrival form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and prosecution.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal effects and gifts up to USD 800 in value are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to customs duty at the applicable rate.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (e.g., cocaine, heroin, cannabis, tramadol without prescription)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a valid permit from the Nigerian Police Force
Pornographic materials (including digital files and printed matter)
Counterfeit currency, coins, and goods infringing intellectual property rights
Live animals, endangered species, and their parts (e.g., ivory, rhino horn) without CITES permits
Radioactive substances and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines: Prescription drugs require a doctor's prescription or medical certificate; narcotic painkillers need prior approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
Plants and plant products: Require a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin and inspection by the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles: Require a permit from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and approval from the Office of the National Security Adviser
Satellite phones and encryption devices: Must be declared and require a permit from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
Currency (foreign or local) exceeding USD 10,000 or equivalent: Must be declared; amounts above this require prior approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria

Rules worth knowing

Duty-Free for Returning Residents

Nigerian residents returning from abroad are entitled to a duty-free allowance of NGN 500,000 (approx. USD 650) for personal goods, plus the same alcohol and tobacco allowances as non-residents. Goods exceeding this value are subject to duty.

Temporary Importation of Vehicles

Non-residents may temporarily import a vehicle for up to 3 months without duty, provided a carnet de passage or a bank guarantee is lodged. After 3 months, duty becomes payable unless an extension is granted.

Strict Prohibition on Tramadol and Codeine

Importation of tramadol and codeine-containing medications without a valid prescription and NAFDAC import permit is treated as drug trafficking. Penalties include up to 25 years imprisonment.

Currency Export Limits

Travellers leaving Nigeria may export up to USD 10,000 (or equivalent) without declaration. Amounts above require Central Bank of Nigeria approval. Export of Nigerian naira is limited to NGN 5,000 per person.

Frequently asked questions

You may bring 1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine or beer, provided you are 18 years or older. Any additional alcohol is subject to customs duty.

Personal electronics like laptops and cameras for personal use do not need to be declared, but if they are new and exceed USD 800 in total value, duty may apply. Keep receipts handy.

Yes, but only for personal use and with a valid doctor's prescription. Controlled substances like tramadol require a NAFDAC import permit. Carry medications in original packaging with the prescription.

Undisclosed cash over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) can be seized by the Nigeria Customs Service, and you may face fines or prosecution. Always declare on the arrival form.

Drones require a permit from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and security clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser. Importing without these permits is illegal and the drone may be confiscated.

Dried fish, meat, and other animal products require an import permit from the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service and must be inspected. Unauthorized imports may be seized and destroyed.

Official source

Nigeria Customs Service