In as much as i like and admire President Goodluck Jonathan, i find it difficult to understand why his administration takes long to put things in order.
Last year the president lifted the bann on some imported items including textiles, furniture and used cars.
He has misled some law abiding Nigerians into importing those items only for the customs to now claim that they've not gotten any instruction from the Presidency.
Is Jonathan trying to use his statement to score cheap political points with the masses?

this is a list of items on customs prohibition list.

Import Prohibition List


1. Live or Dead Birds including Frozen Poultry – H.S. Codes 0105.1100 – 0105.9900, 0106.3100 – 0106.3900, 0207.1100 – 0207.3600 and 0210.9900

2. Pork, Beef – H.S. Codes 0201.1000 – 0204.5000, 0206.1000 – 0206.9000, 0210.1000 – 0210.2000.

3. Birds Eggs – H.S. Code 0407.0000.

4. Cassava - H.S. Codes 0714.1000.

5. Refined Vegetable Oils and Fats – H.S. Code 1507.1000 – 1516.2000.29 [but excluding Linseed, Castor and Olive oils. Crude vegetable oil are however NOT banned from importation].

6. Cocoa Butter, Powder and Cakes – H.S. Codes 1802. – 1803.2000, 1805.0000, 1806.1000 – 1806.2000 and 1804.0000.

7. Spaghetti/Noodles – H.S. Codes 1902.1100 – 1902.3000.

8. Fruit Juice in Retail Packs – H.S. Codes 2009.110012 - 2009.110013 – 2009.9000.99

9. Waters, including Mineral Waters and Aerated Waters containing added Sugar or Sweetening Matter or Flavoured, ice snow – H.S. Codes 2202.1000 – 2202.9000, other non-alcoholic beverages H.S. Code 2202.1000 - 2202.9000.99 [ but excluding energy or Health Drinks {Liquid Dietary Supplements} e.g. Power Horse, Red Ginseng etc] H.S. Code 2202.9000.91 and Beer and Stout (Bottled, Canned or Otherwise packed) H.S. Code 2203.0010.00 - 2203.0090.00

10. Bagged Cement – H.S. Code 2523.2900.22.

11. Medicaments falling under Headings 3003 and 3004 as indicated below:
1. Paracetamol Tablets and Syrups
2. Cotrimoxazole Tablets Syrups
3. Metronidazole Tablets and Syrups
4. Chloroquine Tablets and Syrups
5. Haematinic Formulations; Ferrous Sulphate and Ferrous Gluconate Tablets, Folic Acid Tablets, Vitamine B Complex Tablet [except modified released formulations].
6. Multivitamin Tablets, capsules and Syrups [except special formulations].
7. Aspirin Tablets [except modified released formulation and soluble aspirin].
8. Magnesium trisilicate tablets and suspensions.
9. Piperazine tablets and Syrups
10. Levamisole Tablets and Syrups
11. Clotrimazole Cream
12. Ointments – Penecilin/Gentamycin
13. Pyrantel Pamoate tablets and Syrups
14. Intravenous Fluids [Dextrose, Normal Saline, etc.]

12. Waste Pharmaceuticals - H.S. Code 3006.9200

13. Soaps and Detergents – H.S. Code 3401.1100 – 3402.9000 in retail packs

14. Mosquito Repellant Coils – H.S. Code 3808.9110.91.

15. Sanitary Wares of Plastics – H.S. Code 3922.1000 – 3922.9000 and Domestic Articles and Wares of Plastics H.S. Code 3924.1000 – 3924.9000.00 [but excluding Baby Feeding bottles 3924.9020.00] and flushing ceinstern and waterless toos toilets.

16. Tooth Picks – H.S. Code 3926.9000 and 4421.9000

17. Rethreaded and used Pneumatic tyres but excluding used trucks tyres for rethreading of sized 11.00 x 20 and above 4012.2010.00.

18. Corrugated Paper and Paper Boards – H.S. Code 4808.1000, and cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper and paper boards H.S. Code 4819.1000, Toilet paper, Cleaning or facial tissue - H.S. Code 4818.1000 - 4818.9000 excluding baby diapers and incotinent pads for adult use 4818.4000.41 and Exercise Books - H.S. Code 4820.2000.

19. Telephone Re-charge Cards and Vouchers – H.S. Code 4911.9900.91

20. Textile Fabrics of all types and articles thereof and Yarn falling under the following H.S. Codes remain under import prohibition;
1. African print [Printed Fabrics] e.g. Nigeria wax, Hollandaise, English Wax, Ankara and similar Fabrics under the following H.S. Codes – 5208.5110 – 5208.5900, 5209.5100 – 5209.5900, 5212.5100, 5212.5100, 5212.2500, 5407.4400, 5407.5400, 5407.7400, 5407.8400, 5407.9400, 5408.2400, 5408.3400, 5513.4100 – 5513.4900, 5514.4100 – 5514.4900, 5516.1400, 5516.2400, 5516.3400, and 5514.4900.00
2. Lace Fabrics, Georges and other embroided Fabrics falling under H.S. Codes 5801.2100 – 5801.9000, 5802.1100 - 5802.3000 and 5805.0000.00
3. Carpets and Rugs of all types falling under H.S. Codes 5701.1000 – 5705.0000.
4. Made-up Garments and other Textile articles falling under H.S. Codes 6101.2000 – 6310.9000.99 but excluding the following:
1. Made-up lining articles H.S. Code 6117.8000 - 6117.9000 and 6217.1000, 6217.9000
2. Industrial gloves H.S. Code 6116.1000.11 - 6116.9900.99 6116.1000.11; 6116.9200.92; 6116.9900.98
3. Moulding cups Lycra H.S. Code 6212.9000
4. Multilated rags H.S. Code 6310.1000.11, 6310.9000.91
5. Jute bags H.S. Code 6305.1000
6. Brazziers, pants, ties
7. Insecticides treated mosquito nets (ITNs) and (LLITNs) H.S. Code 6304.9100.92, 6304.9200.94, 6304.9300.96, 6304.9900.98
21. All types of Foot Wears and Bags including Suitcases of leather and plastics H.S. Codes 6401.1000.11 – 6405.9000.99 and 4202.1100.10 – 4202.9900.99 [but excluding Safety Shoes used in oil industries, Hospitals, Fire fighting and Factories, Sports Shoes, canvass shoes all Completely Knocked Down (CKD) blanks and parts]

22. Hollow Glass Bottles of a capacity exceeding 150mls (0.15 litres) of a kind used for packaging of beverages by breweries and other beverage and drink companies – H.S. Code 7010.9021.29 and 7010.9031.00.

23. Used Compressors – H.S. Code 8414.3000, Used Air Conditioners – H.S. Codes 8415.1000.11 – 8415.9000.99 and Used Fridges/Freezers – H.S. Codes 8418.1000.11 – 8418.6900.

24. Used Motor Vehicles above ten (10) years from the year of manufacture – H.S. Codes 8703.1000 – 8703.9000

25. Furniture – H.S. Codes 9401.1000.00 – 9401.9000.99 and 9403.1000 – 9404.9000, but excluding Baby walkers, laboratory cabinets such as microscope table, fume cupboards, laboratory benches (9403), Stadium Chairs, height adjustments device, base sledge, seat frames and control mechanism, arm guide and headguides. Also excluded are; skeletal parts of furniture such as blanks, unholstered or unfinished part of metal, plastics, veneer, chair shell etc.

26. Ball Point Pens – H.S. Code 9608.1000

27. Goods: The Importation of which is Absolutely Prohibited





Copyright ©Webb Fontaine Last update Feb 03 2011
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@poster
Thanks a lot for this information!

It appears we've been hoodwinked once again by this troublesome Jonathan character.

what happens to all the babies that were named after GEJ in the past year. Hope it doesn't backfire like naming a child ''Adolf Hitler''. Anyway thats what you get for letting sentiments not common sense make decisions for you.

@Poster, you sure say that na prohibition list? Oh My gosh, I think I read it all wrong. I was actually on that site after the announcement that the ban on cars had been lifted. I could have sworn I did not see a lot of what you have up there on the list then. 

You sure say that list of yours no be old one?

kobo the list was last updated this month, this year.

Anyone looking for the link:

customs.gov.ng/ProhibitionList/import.php

^^^ So the importation ban was not lifted?

my sister, na so we see am o.

What is troubling me is that this is the first complaint i'm hearing plus the press has not picked up on it.

The journalists should be informed of such.

Well, is it that the lifting of the ban NEVER happened then? Is this another case of "GLORY TO JONATHAN FOR WHAT JONATHAN NEVER REALLY MADE HAPPEN"? lol

Kobojunkie:

Well, is it that the lifting of the ban NEVER happened then? Is this another case of "GLORY TO JONATHAN FOR WHAT JONATHAN NEVER REALLY MADE HAPPEN"? lol

The ban was lifted, the customs service did not get the paperwork on time. The only change is that the government has listened to the textile people and have now agreed to put it back on the prohibited list.

Johndoe100:

The ban was lifted, the customs service did not get the paperwork on time. The only change is that the government has listened to the textile people and have now agreed to put it back on the prohibited list.

I have not heard anything of the re-imposition of a textile ban so a link would be highly appreciated.

What the poster said still holds true, government has led us to believe that the ban has been lifted meanwhile no paperwork to that effect has been issued to customs.

Or are you saying that the ban was lifted by Jonathan's mouth only, meanwhile customs arrests seemingly law abiding citizens and seizes their goods? The vanguard has it that at least 4 containers were seized at port harcourt because of this unresolved issue.

Below is a statement from NCS issued on 25th January 2011.

It reads: "The Nigeria Customs Service does
not formulate policies but implement them
when so directed. While it is true that the
Federal Government did announce a new
policy on textile and other items, no formal
circular on this decision has been received
by the Service to enable the Comptroller-
General of Customs to commence
implementation.

"For the avoidance of doubt, let it be known
that the CGC, members of the Management
Team and, indeed, every Customs officer
welcome the review, as it will help to reduce
smuggling as well as increase our revenue
collection.

"It is, therefore, wrong to assert that the CGC
(Comptroller-General of Customs) is delaying
the implementation of a policy that will
increase our revenue collection.

"The Service is, therefore, ready and willing
to implement the policy and, indeed, any
other, as soon as the Government Circular is
received."

http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/business/maritime/25782.html

Stromae:

What the poster said still holds true, government has led us to believe that the ban has been lifted meanwhile no paperwork to that effect has been issued to customs.

Or are you saying that the ban was lifted by Jonathan's mouth only, meanwhile customs arrests seemingly law abiding citizens and seizes their goods? The vanguard has it that at least 4 containers were seized at port harcourt because of this unresolved issue.

Below is a statement from NCS issued on 25th January 2011.

I did skip to one of the links that happened to have been updated last february 23rd. I really would like to understand what exactly happened. Were we hoodwinked as the @Poster claimed into believing the ban was actually lifted? I mean lifting a ban is not something that should happen without serious thought into the 360 of possible repercussions, so I find it hard to believe the government would, UNBAN and then REBAN in the space of 2 months. But then, why were we told the ban had been lifted in the first place? This one don dey bother me some ooo . . . I don dey plan imports -- thank Goodness this dude found this out(on time for me).

Kobojunkie:

I mean lifting a ban is not something that should happen without serious thought into the 360 of possible repercussions, so I find it hard to believe the government would, UNBAN and then REBAN in the space of 2 months.

when i think about it, i wouldn't put it past Jonathan. Afterall that whole FIFA/super eagles situation showed him capable of reversing decisions within days.

It really is a shame though, i was also thinking of starting a small import business aswell.

And i must thank the OP for bringing this info.

This govt na one kain sha. Cant just this President get it right. The other day he said something and 2days later a minister of his came out to refute it. What stops the govt to finish up all the paper works before even annoucing the change if at all they mean business? Abegii, im not comfortable with this GEJ juy jare.

Kobojunkie:

Well, is it that the lifting of the ban NEVER happened then? I[b]s this another case of "GLORY TO JONATHAN FOR WHAT JONATHAN NEVER REALLY MADE HAPPEN"? lol [/b]

Exactly !!! This is GEJ's insincerity-led style. He makes a directive or initiates a policy and then fails to supervise its implementation. We all remember the ban of Nigeria from all soccer events after a woeful world cup outing. That was purely a populist decision from Jonathan. The proof is how Jonathan failed to then midwife the process , after his populist action , so that merit gives rise to any new hands coming in to administrate our football. As it is today, everything is "more of the same" in the sports sector. We are waiting for the next major football tournament failure for GEJ to begin another insincere round of reactionary talk and hollow actions.

While I cannot speak of every item on the list of previously banned items I can state authoritatively that customs have feigned ignorance over the lifting of ban on cars over ten years old. A family member is a car dealer . He ships cars to Nigeria from the USA . Previously he stuck to cars under 10 years old. Encouraged by the lifting of ban on cars over ten years old, he proceeded to ship around 6 vehicles to Nigeria with age over ten years. Despite the policy being announced by the GEJ Govt in Sept 10 , and meant to take immediate effect, Customs are still 'unaware" of any such policy months later !!!!! What kind of incompetent Govt is GEJ running ? Is it that you just initiate a policy and then totally take your eyes off it ? Is that not what has ruined Nigeria today? E.g A Govt initiate a Niger Delta ministry yet it does not bother to ensure this very important ministry delivers for the Niger Delta at all after the lavish announcement day. Nigeria is finished under GEJ because he is an insincere chap with not an iota of political will.

na wow . . . . _{goes over to modify business plan quickly}

Na wa  - which kind kleptocracy be this sef - A Man issues orders but fails woefully to check whether it is implemented or not.

had plans on getting a car that  was over 10 years but under 15 year rule.   

badluck jonathan has done it again  - endless list of broken promises.

blacksta:

Na wa  - which kind kleptocracy be this sef - A Man issues orders but fails woefully to check whether it is implemented or not.

had plans on getting a car that  was over 10 years but under 15 year rule.   

badluck jonathan has done it again  - endless list of broken promises.

I would ask that you check ahead to know what actually obtains currently in Nigeria. Don't just go by the announcement of Aganga and the joke Government he works for . lawlessness and the casual flouting of directives from above , from virtually every Government parastatal , is the order of the day under GEJ. Your legitimate complaint will not be taken seriously either even if you are correct . Jonathan is not the cause of all our problems but because he was totally unprepared for office and he never sought this level of responsibility , he is now found extremely wanting and inadequate. 

What many of us don't say on Nairaland is far more than what we reveal. If I tell you my experience (only last November) when I was at Ikeja to renew my Nigerian Passport you will cry for our nation. Open collection of bribe was the order of the day from every single officer on duty. Passport officially cost arounf N9,500 yet every officer is angling to collect N18,000- N20,000 for "express service". It was sickening . Business registration office Nko ? Asking the relevant authority for help over standardisation and compliance issues so you can patriotically trade good originating from Nigeria abroad is like cutting yourself slowly with a blade . We badly need a Government that will be headed by those who want to lead and have the genuine will to make a difference. That is entirely lacking with GEJ . Political expediency has led and will continue to lead the appointment he makes . To that end we cannot expect reformers to head customs , sports,  the NPA, the Judiciary, the police, the EFCC etc, etc . "Business as usual" and the usual stagnation continues under GEJ.

Av been saying it from the day he announced his intention to continue in office and am still saying it! GEJ cannot, willnot and shall never impact positively on this nation.

If he wins the presidency, then Nigerians will be in for a very rough 4 years, that is, if he stops at 4 years cause now that he promised he will serve only one term, i know that as soon as he assumes office as the new president, his first move will be to push for a single term of 7 years and he will be the first to start the regime thereby be in power for the next 10 years!

The devil has finally come to roost in Nigeria

na wa oo!!!

Na real wa for our clueless president

Lol . . . And Peter Obi is forcing Anambrarians to vote for him! SMH.