Sending Medicines to Nigeria from the UK: Rules and Paperwork
Family often ask for medicines from the UK. Here is what can travel as cargo, what cannot, and how to keep your shipment out of trouble at customs.
Written by
R-Zone Compliance Team
Published on
20 October 2026
Quick Answer
Over-the-counter and prescription medicines can usually be sent in small personal-use quantities, in original packaging, with a copy of the prescription. Controlled drugs are not allowed, codeine cough syrups are banned, and anything for resale needs NAFDAC registration.
- Allowed
- Personal-use quantities
- Packaging
- Original, sealed, labelled
- Include
- Prescription copy
- For resale
- NAFDAC registration needed
In This Article
Can you send medicines to Nigeria?
Yes, within limits. Nigeria regulates medicines through NAFDAC (the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) and the Nigeria Customs Service. Small quantities for personal use are routinely cleared; anything that looks commercial, controlled or unregistered is not. This guide explains where the line sits.
What you can usually send
- Everyday over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol and antihistamines
- Vitamins and supplements in sealed retail packs
- Prescription medicines for a named person, in personal-use quantities
- First-aid items such as plasters and bandages
Keep the quantity to what one household would reasonably use. If in doubt, ask us before you pack.
What you cannot send
- Controlled drugs, including many strong painkillers and sedatives
- Codeine-based cough syrups, which Nigeria banned from import
- Tramadol and similar opioids, which are tightly restricted
- Unregistered or counterfeit medicines
- Anything on the prohibited items list
Paperwork to include
- Keep medicines in their original sealed packaging with the label visible.
- Include a copy of the prescription in the recipient's name for prescription items.
- List every medicine, its strength and quantity on your packing list.
- Pack medicines together in one clear bag so they can be checked quickly.
Sending medicines to sell
Medicines for resale must be registered with NAFDAC before import, and the importer usually needs a pharmacy or distribution licence. Do not try to send commercial stock as personal goods: seizures and fines are common. Read our customs duty guide for more on regulated goods.
Medicines that need to stay cold
Air and sea cargo are not refrigerated, so insulin, some vaccines and other cold-chain medicines are not suitable for standard freight. Speak to the prescriber about alternatives available in Nigeria. Call +44 (0) 800 772 0864 or WhatsApp +44 7915 647119 and a member of our UK team will help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send paracetamol and vitamins to Nigeria?
Yes, in reasonable personal-use quantities and in their original packaging. Large quantities can look commercial and attract questions from NAFDAC and customs.
Can I send prescription medicine to a family member?
Usually yes, in a personal-use quantity, in the original pharmacy packaging with the dispensing label, and with a copy of the prescription in the recipient's name. Ask us before booking so we can check the specific medicine.
Which medicines cannot be sent to Nigeria?
Controlled drugs are not allowed, and Nigeria has banned the import of codeine-based cough syrups. Strong painkillers such as tramadol are tightly restricted. Unregistered or counterfeit medicines are prohibited.
Can I ship insulin or other refrigerated medicines?
Cargo is not temperature controlled, so medicines that must be kept cold are not suitable for standard air or sea freight. Ask the prescriber about alternatives or a specialist cold-chain courier.
Found this useful?
Share this article with someone who ships to Nigeria.
Ready to Ship?
Get a free UK Nigeria cargo quote from R-Zone.
Air from £5.50/kg · Sea from £3/kg · Weekly departures · Same-day response · 120+ five-star reviews.
Explore R-Zone Services
More to Read
