EXPORT PROHIBITION ACT

What Is This Policy?

An Act empowering the federal government to prohibit or restrict the export of goods, raw materials, and commodities from Nigeria where export is considered contrary to national economic or public interest.

Who Does It Target?

Exporters of goods listed in prohibition schedules Nigeria Customs Service enforcing border controls Federal Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

To prevent the export of goods in short domestic supply, protect domestic industries from raw material depletion, and ensure that strategic commodities are available for local processing and value addition.

Key Features

Scheduled Prohibitions: Goods listed in the schedule may not be exported without a specific ministerial waiver. Ministerial Power: The minister may add or remove items from the prohibition list by order. Seizure and Forfeiture: Goods exported or attempted to be exported in violation of the Act are liable to forfeiture. Customs Enforcement: Nigeria Customs Service enforces prohibition orders at all exit points. Penalties: Fines and imprisonment for exporting prohibited goods.

Current Status

In force. Periodically updated through subsidiary legislation specifying prohibited or restricted exports, enforced by the Nigeria Customs Service at all borders and ports of exit.

Check the current prohibition schedule before planning exports Apply to the relevant ministry for a waiver where exceptional export is required Comply with all customs export documentation requirements Application method: Nigeria Customs Service; Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment

Important Terms

Prohibition schedules may change by ministerial order at any time Waivers are discretionary and subject to conditions Attempting to circumvent the ban through false documentation is a criminal offence

Official Resources

Website: www.customs.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria

Legal Framework

Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Export (Prohibition) Act (Cap E25 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the Customs and Excise Management Act, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Act, and the Agriculture (Control of Importation) Act. Trade restrictions are justified under GATT Article XI exceptions for national security and public policy. Aligns with ECOWAS protocols on free movement of goods.