In what many industry players have described as a bold step toward simplifying Nigeria’s trade environment, the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a De Minimis threshold of $300 for low-value consignments, e-commerce packages, and passenger baggage.
The approval, which takes effect from Monday, September 8, 2025, was reached during the Board’s 63rd regular meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
Explaining the new policy, the Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, said the measure aligns with international best practices and is designed to “simplify clearance processes, reduce delays at entry points, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in cross-border trade.”
“This policy marks a turning point for e-commerce operators and travellers. Goods valued at $300 or less will now enjoy exemption from duties and taxes, provided they are not prohibited or restricted. We are also putting in place helpdesk channels to guide stakeholders and address complaints swiftly,” Dr. Maiwada stated.
For ordinary Nigerians, especially those active in the booming online shopping space, the move is expected to cut costs and reduce the frustrations often linked with customs clearance. A Lagos-based fashion entrepreneur, Chinonso Umeh, welcomed the policy, saying:
“Every time I import small consignments, duties nearly kill my profit. This threshold gives small businesses like mine room to breathe and grow.”
However, the Board was clear that the gesture must not be abused. It warned that the exemption applies only four times a year per importer, with stiff penalties awaiting anyone who manipulates invoices or tries to evade duties. Sanctions will include forfeiture, arrests, and prosecution under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Beyond policy changes, the NCSB also addressed internal discipline following the circulation of videos showing misconduct by officers. Two officers were demoted and placed on mandatory medical re-evaluation, while two others were reinstated after a favourable review of their cases.
Sending a stern message, Dr. Maiwada stressed:“The Service will not tolerate abuse of banned substances, unethical behaviour, or acts that tarnish the image of the uniform. Accountability, integrity, and discipline remain the hallmarks of our operations.”
Trade experts believe the policy could signal a new era of efficiency in customs operations. But its success, they argue, will depend on consistent enforcement and the integrity of officers at ports and borders.
For now, many Nigerians see the $300 threshold as a welcome relief in tough economic times, a policy that could turn everyday online shoppers and small-scale importers into bigger players in Nigeria’s trade future.