Nigeria’s federal government is preparing a major shake-up of its tariff framework in a bid to stimulate local production, shield domestic industries and reduce the cost of doing business across key sectors of the economy.
The move follows a high-level strategy meeting between the Tariffs Review Board and the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, where existing tariff regimes were reassessed amid rising production costs, foreign exchange volatility and mounting pressure on manufacturers.
Officials say the review is designed to align trade policies with the government’s broader industrialisation agenda, while addressing long-standing concerns raised by local producers who rely heavily on imported raw materials and intermediate goods.
Discussions at the meeting centred on how tariffs can be repositioned as tools for economic growth rather than obstacles to productivity. Participants examined ways to encourage domestic manufacturing, strengthen local value chains and still allow the importation of essential inputs needed to keep factories running.
Dr Uzoka-Anite said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to evidence-based reforms aimed at building a more competitive and resilient economy.
“Our objective is to create a tariff regime that supports local manufacturers, strengthens value chains and promotes sustainable industrial expansion,” she said. “This requires a careful balance between meeting essential import needs and protecting domestic industries from unfair competition.”
According to a statement issued after the meeting, the government is seeking a more flexible and responsive tariff structure that reflects Nigeria’s industrial priorities, while ensuring market stability in an increasingly unpredictable global trade environment.
Key concerns raised included tariff-related bottlenecks that are driving up input costs for manufacturers, particularly in sectors dependent on imported materials. Options for targeted fiscal relief were also discussed as a way to boost output, safeguard jobs and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian-made goods.
Officials agreed that any adjustments to tariff policies must be guided by data, with close attention paid to their impact on production costs, consumer prices and employment levels.
Analysts say the review could mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s trade policy if implemented effectively, offering relief to struggling manufacturers while supporting the government’s push to grow the real economy.
