U.S. Criticizes Nigeria’s Import Ban on Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Products

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has raised concerns over Nigeria’s continued ban on the importation of 25 categories of goods, stating that the restrictions hinder access to the Nigerian market for American exporters.

The criticism was issued on Monday and follows closely on the heels of a move by former U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 14 percent tariff on goods entering the United States, including those from Nigeria.

According to the USTR, Nigeria’s ban has negatively affected several industries, particularly agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods. The restricted items include commonly traded goods such as beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and alcoholic beverages—products the U.S. views as key exports.

“Nigeria’s import ban on 25 different product categories impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods.
Restrictions on items like beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits limit U.S. market access and reduce export opportunities.
These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for U.S. businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market,” the agency said via its X handle.

Nigeria initially introduced the ban in 2016 as part of efforts to reduce reliance on imports and promote local production. Items on the banned list include poultry, pork, refined vegetable oil, sugar, cocoa products, spaghetti, beer, and specific pharmaceutical products.

More recently, on March 26, 2025, the Federal Government announced a new plan to prohibit the importation of solar panels. This initiative is aimed at boosting domestic production in support of Nigeria’s clean energy agenda.