FG Releases List of Food, Other Items Not Allowed to Be Exported from Nigeria in 2026

• The federal government of Nigeria has announced a new export policy that will take effect in 2026
• The directive lists eight items that will no longer be allowed to leave the country, ranging from agricultural produce to cultural artefacts
• Officials said the move is aimed at protecting local industries, preserving heritage, and safeguarding endangered species

The federal government of Nigeria has announced a new list of items that will be prohibited from export in 2026.

The move is aimed at protecting local industries, preserving cultural heritage, and safeguarding endangered species.

Export ban on Maize

Maize has been included in the list of restricted items. The government’s decision is expected to ensure food security and stabilise local supply for domestic consumption.

Timber export restrictions

Timber, whether rough or sawn, will no longer be allowed for export. This measure is designed to curb deforestation and encourage local processing industries to add value before distribution.

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Raw hides and skins

Raw hides and skins, including Wet Blue and all unfinished leather (H.S. Codes 4101.2000.00 – 4108.9200.00), are prohibited. The aim is to promote Nigeria’s leather industry by ensuring that raw materials are processed locally.

Scrap metals not allowed

Scrap metals are also on the list. By restricting their export, the government hopes to support local manufacturing and recycling industries.

Unprocessed rubber latex restrictions

Unprocessed rubber latex and rubber lumps will no longer be exported. This policy is expected to boost Nigeria’s rubber processing sector and create more jobs locally.

Artifacts and antiquities protection

Artifacts and antiquities are prohibited from export to preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. This measure will help prevent illegal trade and loss of historical treasures.

Endangered Wildlife Species

Wildlife animals classified as endangered species, along with their products, are strictly prohibited. Examples include crocodile, elephant, lizard, eagle, monkey, zebra, and lion. This step is part of Nigeria’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and international wildlife protection agreements.

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The government’s decision reflects a broader strategy to strengthen local industries, protect the environment, and preserve Nigeria’s cultural identity. By keeping these items within the country, Nigeria aims to add value through local processing and safeguard resources for future generations.

Here is the list:

1. Maize
2. Timber (rough or sawn)
3. Raw hides and skin (including Wet Blue and all unfinished leather) H.S. Codes 4101.2000.00 – 4108.9200.00
4. Scrap Metals
5. Unprocessed rubber latex and rubber lumps
6. Artifacts and Antiquities
7. Wildlife animals classified as endangered species and their products
8. e.g. Crocodile; Elephant, Lizard, Eagle, Monkey, Zebra, Lion etc.

The full list is available on the federal government's Nigeria trade portal.

Items banned from import into Nigeria

Legit.ng earlier reported that the federal government of Nigeria released a detailed list of items that are prohibited from being imported into the country in 2026.

The announcement covered a wide range of goods, including food products, aimed at protecting local industries and encouraging domestic production. The FG's announcement listed the ban on importing of live or dead birds, including frozen poultry, under H.S. codes 0105.1100 - 0105.9900, 0106.3100 - 0106.3900, 0207.1100 - 0207.2600, and 0210.9900.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng