New excise duty rates not for local manufacturers – Finance Ministry

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The Nigerian government says  that the new excise duty rates which came into effect from Monday, 4th June, 2018, were not targeted at the local manufacturers.

A statement signed by the Director, Information Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Hassan Dodo while reacting to  reports that the new excise duty rates approved by President Muhammadu Buhari on alcoholic beverages and tobacco were targeted at local manufacturers.

The statement explained that the new excise regime seeks to achieve a dual benefit of raising the Government’s revenues to support the nation’s growth and reducing the health hazards associated with tobacco-related diseases and alcohol abuse.

It read in part “ Contrary to claims that the rates were selectively imposed on local manufacturers, there is currently a 60 per cent duty rate imposed on imported alcoholic beverages and tobacco as part of measures by the Government to encourage local production and protect local manufacturing industry. It should also be noted that beer and stout are currently under import prohibition to protect the industry from unfair competition from foreign brands”.

” In addition, other locally excisable products such as non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, perfumes, corrugated papers or paper boards and cartons have no excise duties”

The Ministry further explained the approved excise duty rates followed all-encompassing engagements with key industry stakeholders by the Tariff Technical Committee (TTC), of which Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is a member and stakeholders’ engagements contributed to the final recommendation.

Government therefore reiterated its  commitment  to the industrialization agenda and shall continue to put in place fiscal policy measures to protect local manufacturers and stimulate the growth of the economy.


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