The recent approval by the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) of a new ‘De Minimis’ threshold of $300 for duty-free imports has continued to spark reactions across Nigeria’s trade, e-commerce, and manufacturing sectors. While many stakeholders see the move as a step towards modern trade facilitation, others have raised concerns over possible loopholes and revenue losses.
In a chat with our correspondent, Dr. Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), welcomed the decision, describing it as a long-overdue adjustment that aligns with Nigeria’s economic realities. According to him, what has been done now is simply to adjust the threshold to reflect current reality.
He stressed that the initiative is not essentially meant for wholesale imports but for personal effects — small packages or items brought in by travellers. He explained that for years, travellers faced unnecessary hassles over personal items valued above ₦50,000, which in today’s exchange rate is barely $50, noting that the new $300 ceiling is fair, realistic, and citizen-friendly.
He maintained that the policy will boost both e-commerce and consumer welfare, easing the clearance of low-value items and reducing conflicts at ports of entry. “It is good for citizens, good for travellers, and also good for those who shop online. I don’t see it hurting e-commerce. If anything, it opens the space, creates more competitiveness, and ultimately delivers value to consumers. It is a win-win for everyone,” Yusuf said.
Key e-commerce players have also expressed optimism. An e-commerce owner who specialises in the sale of bags online; Deborah Olaonipekun said that the measure could help lower costs and speed-up delivery for small parcels, saying it is the kind of reform that removes barriers for online merchants and customers.
She explained that lower clearance costs means more people can confidently shop online. Similarly, another e-commerce vendor stressed that the policy, if properly enforced, will encourage more Nigerians to embrace online marketplaces, particularly for fashion, gadgets, and accessories.
However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Some stakeholders worry that the $300 ceiling could be manipulated by unscrupulous importers. Wilfred Chijioke, a member of the Importers and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (IMAN), argued that while the policy appears pro-business, it carries risks. “On paper, this will help small online traders and passengers, but the government must put systems in place to prevent abuse. If duty-free parcels become a backdoor for regular imports, local manufacturers and government revenue will suffer,” Chijioke warned.
The freight forwarding community has also weighed-in, urging Customs to extend similar waivers to critical economic sectors. Frank Ogunojemite, President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), commended the Nigeria Customs Service for the initiative, but called for broader application. He argued that the government should go further by granting duty-free exemptions for essential imports such as agricultural equipment and medical devices, stressing that these are critical to food security and public health.
The NCS has insisted that the framework includes safeguards. Only four importations per individual per year are allowed, and any attempt at invoice manipulation will attract sanctions, including seizure and prosecution. The Service also promised to launch a multi-channel helpdesk to guide importers and resolve complaints.
Checks by our correspondent revealed that Nigeria’s $300 De Minimis threshold places it ahead of most African peers in terms of openness to e-commerce, but the test lies in balancing trade facilitation, revenue protection, and support for local industry.
