The US government criticizes Nigeria for prolonged delays in approving import permits for American agricultural products, while the Nigeria Customs Service refutes claims of operating a largely manual system
The United States government has expressed strong concerns over the persistent delays by Nigeria in approving import permits for American agricultural products.
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In its 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) highlighted this issue as a significant and longstanding impediment to trade between the two nations.
The USTR report stated that despite numerous attempts since 2019 to negotiate import permits for various US food and agricultural exports, Nigeria has shown a slow response.
The report attributed these delays partly to Nigeria’s limited capacity in reviewing certificates, inspecting goods, and conducting necessary testing, which has forced traders to rely on informal channels.
Furthermore, the USTR criticized Nigeria’s inconsistent application of sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, leading to confusion among exporters.
The US government also raised concerns about Nigeria’s complex and restrictive import regime, noting the higher tariff rates on agricultural products compared to non-agricultural goods and the imposition of supplementary charges that significantly increase the effective import rate.
Since 2019, the United States has sought to negotiate import permits for the export of several categories of US food and agricultural products. Nigeria has been slow to approve these requests.” – Office of the United States Trade Representative.
The report also highlighted Nigeria’s continued import bans on 25 product categories as substantial trade barriers.
Additionally, the USTR pointed to systemic issues within the Nigeria Customs Service, including allegations of corruption, reliance on manual processes, and inconsistent interpretation of trade rules.
However, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has vehemently refuted the USTR’s claim that it still operates a largely manual system.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, described the assertion as “unfair” and “misinformed.”
Maiwada asserted that Nigeria Customs has made considerable advancements in automation and trade facilitation, citing the development and rollout of an indigenous clearance software, the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, and investments in non-intrusive inspection technologies.
He emphasized that the NCS is one of the most automated customs systems in Africa.
Maiwada clarified that while the NCS is responsible for implementing fiscal policies, it does not formulate them.
He also highlighted ongoing engagements with international partners, including the US Customs and Border Protection Agency, to enhance operational efficiency.
