FG bans cement, poultry and drug imports outside ECOWAS

The Federal Government has banned the importation of poultry products, cement, pharmaceuticals and other goods from countries outside the Economic Community of West African States. The directive is contained in a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by the Minister, Wale Edun, dated April 1, 2026.

The ministry says the affected items are part of a revised import prohibition list covering 17 categories of goods under the 2026 fiscal policy measures and tariff amendments. The restriction applies specifically to imports originating from non-ECOWAS member states.

Authorities say a 90-day grace period has been granted to importers who had existing trade agreements and opened Form M before the policy took effect. Such importers are allowed to clear their goods under the previous duty regime within the transition window.

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The government adds that all new import transactions from April 1 will be subject to the updated policy, which replaces the 2023 fiscal measures and will be published in the official gazette.