Nigeria’s FG announces 2026 export ban on maize, timber, raw hides, scrap metals, rubber, artifacts, and endangered wildlife to protect local industries and heritage

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a new export policy set to take effect in 2026, prohibiting eight key items from leaving the country.

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The directive aims to strengthen local industries, safeguard cultural heritage, and protect endangered species.

The banned items include:

1. Maize – Restricted to secure food supply and ensure domestic consumption.
2. Timber – Both rough and sawn, to curb deforestation and encourage local processing.
3. Raw hides and skins – Including Wet Blue and unfinished leather (H.S. Codes 4101.2000.00 – 4108.9200.00), to boost Nigeria’s leather industry.
4. Scrap metals – Export restrictions intended to support local manufacturing and recycling sectors.
5. Unprocessed rubber latex and rubber lumps – To stimulate the local rubber processing industry and create jobs.
6. Artifacts and antiquities – Protected to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage and prevent illegal trade.
7. Wildlife animals and their products – Endangered species such as crocodiles, elephants, lizards, eagles, monkeys, zebras, and lions are prohibited, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.

Officials say the policy is part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic value chains, encourage local processing, preserve historical treasures, and protect natural resources for future generations.

This announcement complements earlier import restrictions aimed at boosting Nigeria’s local industries and reducing dependence on foreign products.

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By regulating exports and imports, the government hopes to foster economic growth and safeguard strategic resources.