The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has officially confirmed a new policy by the United States government imposing a $80 (₦123,000) customs duty on all non-document shipments originating from Nigeria and other countries.
The charge, which took effect on August 29, 2025, applies to every item shipped into the U.S. except for letters and documents and must be prepaid in Nigeria before acceptance.
In a notice made available to the press on Friday, NIPOST explained that the new fee stems from an executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
“All postal items to the United States, except for letters and documents, will now attract a prepaid customs duty of $80, payable in its naira equivalent, at the point of acceptance in Nigeria,” the postal agency announced.
Not Nigeria Alone
NIPOST clarified that the policy is not exclusive to Nigeria, as the executive order affects all international postal operators and designated postal administrations globally.
“The payment of the additional duty affects all global postal inflows into the United States, not just those from Nigeria,” the statement read.
In addition to the mandatory fee, all U.S.-bound packages will now be subjected to customs inspections upon arrival at their destination, NIPOST added.
Trade Tensions Resurface
The move is part of a broader protectionist trade agenda reintroduced by Trump, who in recent weeks has also ramped up tariffs on multiple countries, including Nigeria.
In response, the Nigerian government has reportedly vowed to take retaliatory steps, although the specifics of such countermeasures have yet to be officially unveiled.
Impact on Shippers
The policy is expected to significantly affect individual shippers, e-commerce businesses, and SMEs that rely on parcel delivery to U.S.-based customers, friends, or family.
While letters and documents remain exempt, all other items including gifts, merchandise, and commercial goods must now include the ₦123,000 fee as part of the shipping process.
