In a pointed rebuke that underscores growing international concern over Nigeria’s trade practices, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has condemned Nigeria’s continued ban on the importation of 25 categories of goods, branding the policy a significant barrier to American exports and global trade fairness.
The USTR, in a statement released on Monday via its official handle on X (formerly Twitter), criticized the restrictions which have been in place since 2016, saying they have effectively shut out American products ranging from agricultural produce to pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. The list of banned items, originally introduced during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in a bid to stimulate local production, has recently been expanded to include solar panels—further exacerbating tensions with trading partners.
“These policies create significant trade barriers that lead to lost revenue for U.S. businesses,” the USTR noted in its statement, adding that Nigeria’s restrictive trade stance has curtailed market access for American exporters while undermining mutual economic benefits.
The banned goods include poultry, sugar, vegetable oil, cement, soaps, certain beverages, and specific medications—products that American companies have historically supplied in large quantities to the Nigerian market. With the addition of solar panels, an increasingly vital component in clean energy transitions, the USTR fears that Nigeria’s import ban could also hinder climate-related innovation and cooperation.
While the original intent of the policy was to protect local industries and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign goods, critics argue that the ban has instead created supply shortages, inflated prices, and stifled competition—ultimately harming Nigerian consumers and deterring foreign investment.
The USTR has now urged Nigerian authorities to review the list and open up dialogue with stakeholders in the spirit of fair and reciprocal trade. “Removing these trade barriers would not only help U.S. businesses regain access to a critical market but also promote broader economic cooperation and growth,” the statement concluded.
Observers say this development may put pressure on the Nigerian government, especially under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has expressed commitment to economic reforms and global investment partnerships. Whether the administration will adjust the policy in response to U.S. concerns remains to be seen.