Sending Food from the UK to Nigeria: What NAFDAC Controls

NAFDAC — the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control — is Nigeria's government body responsible for regulating all food, beverages, cosmetics, drugs, medical devices and chemicals entering the country. For anyone sending food from the UK to Nigeria, NAFDAC is the key regulatory hurdle. Get it right and your food clears Lagos port without issues. Get it wrong and your shipment faces seizure, fines or port detention.

Personal-Use vs Commercial Quantities: The Key Distinction

Personal-use quantities — a reasonable amount a single person or household would consume — are generally cleared at Lagos port without pre-registration, as long as items are on the approved list and accurately declared. Commercial quantities — larger volumes intended for resale or distribution — require NAFDAC pre-registration of each specific product before importing. R-Zone advises all customers to declare food quantities accurately at booking.

Approved Food Items for UK–Nigeria Shipments in 2026

Nigerian staples: garri (all types), fufu, eba, semolina, amala, tuwo shinkafa, ogi/akamu, elubo. Grains and pulses: rice (including Ofada), beans, groundnuts, corn flour. Snacks and dry goods: plantain chips, chin chin, popcorn (unpopped), suya spice. Condiments and spices: palm oil (sealed), crayfish (sealed), dried pepper, ogbono, egusi, curry powder, thyme, dried ginger. Packaged foods: Golden Morn, Cerelac, Indomie noodles (chicken flavour EXCLUDED), Maggi cubes (chicken flavour EXCLUDED), tin tomatoes, Milo, Bournvita, Horlicks.

Food Items That Are NOT Accepted for Nigeria Shipping

NAFDAC-prohibited: Chicken-flavoured Indomie noodles. Chicken-flavoured Maggi seasoning cubes. Fresh and perishable: Fresh meat, fresh fish, fresh poultry, fresh dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables. Liquid herbal products: Herbal tonics and liquid supplements without valid NAFDAC registration. Alcohol and bleaching products: Any alcoholic beverages. Any product marketed for skin bleaching or lightening. If you are unsure whether a specific item is accepted, send us the product name via WhatsApp +44 7915 647 119 before booking.

How R-Zone Handles Food Shipment Customs Clearance at Lagos

When you book a food shipment with R-Zone, our UK team reviews your item list at booking and confirms exactly which items are accepted — before you pack a single thing. At our Upminster warehouse, we inspect all food items before acceptance — checking seals, packaging integrity and quantity declarations. For personal-use quantities of approved items, there is no separate NAFDAC fee — it is included in your quoted shipment price. Call +44 (0) 800 772 0864 or WhatsApp +44 7915 647 119.

Can I send garri, fufu and egusi from the UK to Nigeria?

Yes. R-Zone accepts garri, fufu, egusi, dried fish, crayfish, palm oil, ogi, elubo, beans, semolina, chin chin and most dry African food goods. All items must be well-sealed in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.

What food items are NOT allowed when shipping to Nigeria from the UK?

Items not accepted include: chicken-flavoured Indomie noodles, chicken-flavoured Maggi seasoning cubes, bleaching or skin-lightening creams, liquid herbal medicines without NAFDAC registration, fresh or frozen meat, fresh produce, and alcoholic beverages.

Does R-Zone handle NAFDAC food clearance at Lagos port?

Yes. R-Zone handles all NAFDAC clearance for personal-use food shipments at Lagos port as standard, at no additional fee. Our Lagos customs team manages all required NAFDAC documentation as part of your shipment price.

How much food can I send to Nigeria from the UK?

Personal-use quantities — a reasonable amount a single person or household would consume — are cleared at Lagos without pre-registration. Commercial quantities clearly intended for resale require NAFDAC pre-registration for each product before importing.