The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has introduced a prepaid duty system to ensure Nigerian shipments continue reaching the United States despite the Trump administration’s new shipment regulations, which came into effect on August 29, 2025.
The U.S. executive order mandates that all international shipments, regardless of value, have customs duties paid before arrival.
Packages without prepaid duties are returned to the sender, disrupting postal services worldwide and prompting countries including Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom to temporarily suspend shipments to the U.S.
Speaking exclusively to The Guardian, NIPOST’s Director of Digital Transformation, Gabriel Oladapo, explained that the postal service is taking proactive steps to protect its customers.
“One of the things we are doing is to collect the duty ahead of shipment from our customers. Through a partnership with a U.S.-based company, the duty is paid in advance. This ensures that packages are not returned and Nigerians can continue sending goods to relatives, friends, and clients without interruption,” Oladapo said.
“Previously, recipients paid duties upon receiving shipments. Under the new rules, even small consignments—such as a $77 shirt attracting a $42 tariff—or larger items like oven parts valued over $1,000 would be returned if duties were unpaid.
“NIPOST’s prepaid system now safeguards both personal and business shipments, ensuring seamless international deliveries despite global disruptions.”
The postal service is also informing customers that duties must now be included in shipment fees.
“We don’t want Nigerians looking elsewhere for courier services. This arrangement ensures our customers’ needs are met while keeping NIPOST competitive,” Oladapo stressed.
Beyond addressing international shipping hurdles, NIPOST said is embracing digital transformation to modernize its services.
Traditional post office boxes are being replaced with Digital SmartParcel lockers, making parcel collection easier. Post offices are expanding financial services, including international remittances, and rolling out a national digital addressing system, giving every Nigerian a unique digital address for accurate deliveries.
“This is about more than just shipping. It’s about creating an inclusive, digital-first postal system for Nigeria, opening new opportunities for businesses and citizens alike,” Oladapo said.
With these innovations and strategic partnerships, Nigerians can now send packages to the U.S. without fear of them being returned, while NIPOST positions itself as a modern, digital-first postal service. For everyday Nigerians, this means faster, more reliable deliveries, easier access to financial services, and a postal system ready for the 21st century.
