The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a De Minimis Threshold Value of $300 for low-value consignments, in a move designed to boost trade facilitation and streamline clearance processes for e-commerce stakeholders and travellers. The decision, taken at the Board’s 63rd regular meeting chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, takes effect on Monday, September 8, 2025.
The De Minimis threshold refers to the value below which imported goods are exempt from customs duties and taxes. Under the new policy, consignments worth $300 or less will be duty-free, provided they are not prohibited or restricted items. The exemption also applies to passenger baggage merchandise of the same value. However, the measure is capped at four importations per year.
Officials noted that the framework ensures the immediate release and clearance of eligible consignments without post-release documentation. At the same time, strict penalties—including forfeiture, arrest, and other sanctions under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023—will be enforced against attempts to manipulate invoices or evade duty obligations.
To aid smooth implementation, Customs will establish multi-channel helpdesks to engage directly with stakeholders, provide compliance guidance, and resolve complaints. The initiative is expected to accelerate cross-border e-commerce, reduce clearance delays, and strengthen Nigeria’s role as a regional hub for trade facilitation.
The Board also addressed disciplinary matters, following viral videos showing misconduct by some officers. Two officers were demoted and referred for mandatory medical re-evaluation, while two others were reinstated after favourable case reviews. Issuing a stern warning, the Board stressed that abuse of banned substances and unethical behaviour will not be tolerated in the Service.
