US report calls out Nigeria’s trade barriers, port corruption

US report calls out Nigeria’s trade barriers, port corruption

The U.S. government has criticized Nigeria for delays in approving import permits for American agricultural products, calling it a longstanding trade barrier. The 2025 National Trade Estimate Report from the U.S. 

Trade Representative highlighted issues like inconsistent sanitary regulations, lengthy customs clearance, and Nigeria's complex import tariffs, particularly on agricultural products. The report also pointed out manual processes in Nigeria’s customs system, which it claims are causing delays, and cited other trade barriers like import bans and foreign exchange issues.

However, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) rejected these claims, stating that it has made significant progress in automating processes and facilitating trade. 

The report also criticized Nigeria’s lack of transparency in public procurement, poor intellectual property enforcement, and restrictions on digital trade and foreign investment in some sectors. While acknowledging Nigeria’s efforts to improve infrastructure, the report concluded that barriers to trade and investment remain widespread.