The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced fresh charges on items sent from Nigeria to the United States.
With effect from August 29, 2025, all parcels—except letters and documents—will attract a prepaid customs duty of $80 (₦80,000 approx.) at the point of acceptance.
NIPOST explained that this decision follows a new Executive Order signed by the U.S. Government under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The order suspends duty-free exemptions on postal shipments from all countries.
Global Postal Traffic Feels the Pressure
In a statement on Friday, NIPOST warned that the new regime has wider implications. It said airlines and cargo operators have already introduced stricter handling rules for U.S.-bound shipments.
“Global logistics operations are also being affected, as airline and cargo carriers adopt more cautious measures in handling U.S.-bound shipments. This may extend both transit and processing times, potentially resulting in delivery delays,” NIPOST stated.
The agency also reminded customers that all packages destined for the U.S. will undergo additional Customs checks on arrival.
The announcement is already causing small businesses and online merchants in Nigeria who rely heavily on exports to the United States some unease. Could this affect Nigeria’s export competitiveness in sectors like textiles, agro-products, and crafts?Talks Underway to Reduce Disruptions
NIPOST assured the public that it is engaging key partners to ease the transition.
“We are actively engaging with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and our airline partners to minimise service disruptions and safeguard customer experience,” the statement read.
Despite the challenges, the agency promised continuity. “We reassure our customers that NIPOST remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient postal and courier services despite this global regulatory adjustment.”
The new policy is global in scope, applying not just to Nigeria but to all postal administrations worldwide. Still, many Nigerians fear it may increase the cost of international trade and further weaken remittance-based commerce.
Will these new measures discourage Nigerians abroad from receiving gifts and goods from home, or will the market simply adjust to higher costs?
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