The federal government in Nigeria has banned all fruit juice imports with immediate effect, according to a statement by a spokesperson for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The spokesman, Wale Adeniyi, said the measure had been taken to assist local fruit juice producers. He said that recent dumping had undermined the capacity of local producers and reduced employment opportunities. The move was also aimed at boosting local investment, Adeniyi said.
Fruit juice is one of a number of product categories which have recently become subject to protectionist measures in Nigeria. Last August, the country banned imports of frozen chicken, cassava and cassava products, while also this week a block was imposed on imports of biscuits, spaghetti, noodles, bottled water and tooth picks.
