The United States Trade Representative, USTR, has condemned the restriction placed on importation of 25 categories of goods by the Nigerian government.
USTR in a post on its X handle on Monday, claimed that the restrictions have limited market access for exporters in America.
The United States agency said Nigeria’s import ban on beverages, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and other goods created trade barrier.
DAILY POST recalls that the Nigerian government had in 2016 implemented the ban on the 25 agricultural and pharmaceutical items as part of efforts to boost local production.
The former President, Muhammadu Buhari approved the ban on importation of poultry, refined vegetable oil, pork, sugar, spaghetti, cocoa products, beer, and certain medicines to boost homemade products.
Other items banned by the Nigerian Government include, bagged cement, soaps and detergents, rethreaded and used pneumatic tyres, mosquito repellant coils, vouchers and recharge cards.
The Government on March 26, 2025 also announced plans to stop importation of solar panel in a bid to encourage local manufacturing.
The USTR, however, argued that the restrictions have impacted negatively in US exporters by reducing business opportunities, leading to lost revenue.
Part of the post reads, “Nigeria’s import ban on 25 different product categories impacts US exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods.
“These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for US businesses looking to expand in the Nigerian market.”
