FG Bans Importation of Paracetamol and Other Medicines

The Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented a ban on the importation of paracetamol and other pharmaceutical products, effective April 1, 2026. This decision is part of a comprehensive strategy to protect domestic industries and manage foreign exchange.

The updated import prohibition list includes 17 major categories of goods, strictly barring their entry into the country. The ban encompasses common pharmaceutical products such as paracetamol tablets and syrups, metronidazole, cotrimoxazole, chloroquine, multivitamin capsules, and various ointments.

Additionally, the ban extends to frozen poultry, cement, detergents, and refined vegetable oils, aiming to bolster local manufacturing and food security. The government has specified that certain agricultural products, including live and dead birds, pork, and beef, will also remain prohibited.

The Nigerian Customs Service is set to enforce these regulations across various sectors to align with the government's procurement strategy and legal framework, preventing the seizure of goods and imposing legal penalties.