What can I export to Nigeria?
Nigeria depends on imports, but has a prohibitive import regime with several import bans in place. The main reason for the restrictions is the protection of local industry or, in more recent times, to attract investment in local alternatives to imported goods. This may result in goods being banned before local supply can meet demand (as is the case with the ban on furniture imports. Where goods are not banned, they may be subjected to high importation tariffs and duties or a quota system. As of June 2017, there are at least 25 items that have been banned from being imported into Nigeria: certain textiles and footwear, furniture, poultry, beef and pork, bagged cement, soaps and detergents, certain medicines, corrugated paper, ballpoint pens among others. A full list of import restrictions as well as tariffs can be found on the customs website under "prohibition list" and "CET tariff"
Imports of food, cosmetics and drugs will have to be registered with NAFDAC (the national Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control). There are different requirements for different types of products but all require the manufacturing company to give a power of attorney to a Nigerian entity (this can be your own Nigeria Ltd.) for the registration. It usually takes 1-3 months for registration. Full details, requirements and costs can be found on the NAFDAC website under "guidelines".
Additionally the SONCAP scheme was launched by the Nigerian government to ensure that imports meet the minimum requirements of Nigeria Industrial Standards and approved international standards. Four accreditation firms were appointed to administer SONCAP globally on behalf of SON: China Certification and Inspection (group) Company Limited (CCIC) Cotecna Inspection Limited (Cotecna), Swede Control Intertek Limited (Intertek) and SGS Société Genérale de Surveillance (SGS). Rules, processes, contact information, and an up-to-date list of products that must comply with the SONCAP scheme, can be found on the SON website.
For those exporting innovative and specialised technological services and goods, there may be a need to register intellectual property in Nigeria. A useful link on IP-related matters can be found here. The National Office for Technology Acquisition and promotion (NOTAP) engages in IP promotion and documents patents. For more international companies NOTAP will be more relevant when it comes to technology transfer agreements. Further information is available here.