The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced that all non-document postal shipments from Nigeria to the United States will now attract a mandatory prepaid customs duty of $80 (about ₦122,400).
The new rule, which took effect on Thursday, August 29, follows a U.S. Executive Order suspending duty-free exemptions on global postal shipments.
NIPOST Director of Corporate Communications, Ibrahim Musa, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
“Effective Aug. 29, all non-document postal items—including parcels and packages—destined for the U.S. will attract the fixed charge of USD $80 or its Naira equivalent,” the statement read.
“While this fee is technically a customs duty imposed by the U.S. government, NIPOST is responsible for its collection. The fee must be paid by the customer at the point of acceptance at any postal outlet in Nigeria.”
The agency explained that the policy is part of a broader U.S. measure affecting postal operators globally, not just Nigeria.
NIPOST also cautioned that U.S.-bound shipments may face longer processing and transit times due to stricter customs inspections and international cargo carriers’ cautious approach.
“This new charge and its associated delays mark a fundamental change in the cost and speed of sending parcels to the United States from Nigeria,” the statement added.
Despite the challenge, the agency assured customers of efforts to mitigate the impact.
“NIPOST is actively engaging with international postal and customs bodies, including the Universal Postal Union and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to minimise service disruptions. We remain committed to providing reliable service to our customers,” the agency assured.
