Nigeria is one of West Africa's largest markets for imported used vehicles, locally known as "Tokunbo" cars. Vehicles drive on the right, so the country requires left-hand-drive (LHD) vehicles. Most imports clear through Lagos at the Tin Can Island and Apapa terminals, which handle the bulk of the country's roll-on/roll-off traffic.
Buyers should plan for relatively high landed costs: used cars attract import duty plus an additional levy and VAT, and clearing charges in Lagos can be significant. A vehicle age cap is commonly cited (often quoted around 15 years), but this figure has shifted over time and is enforced inconsistently, so it must be confirmed with the Nigeria Customs Service before you ship.
Overview
- Age limit
- 15 years
- Main ports
- Lagos (Tin Can / Apapa)
- Drive side
- LHD
- Currency
- NGN
- Inspection
- —
Indicative duties & taxes
How import taxes stack up on the CIF value.
| FOB | $10,000 |
| Ocean freight | $0 |
| Marine insurance | $150 |
| CIF value | $10,150 |
| Import Duty | $2,030 |
| Levy / Surcharge | $1,523 |
| VAT | $761 |
| Estimated taxes | $4,314 |
| Estimated landed cost | $14,464 |
Estimates only, based on indicative rates. Request a formal quote from ASTONISHING CARS for exact figures.
Required documents
- •Original Bill of Lading
- •Commercial invoice / purchase receipt
- •Japanese export certificate (de-registration) with English translation
- •Valid Form M and Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR)
- •Importer's TIN and valid identification
- •Packing list / inventory of any contents
Popular models
Import process
- 1Choose a left-hand-drive vehicle and confirm it fits within the current age cap accepted by Nigeria Customs.
- 2Complete payment and receive the Bill of Lading, invoice and Japanese export certificate from the exporter.
- 3Open a Form M through your Nigerian bank and obtain the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).
- 4Ship by roll-on/roll-off to Lagos (Tin Can or Apapa) and track the vessel's arrival.
- 5Engage a licensed customs agent to pay duty, levy and VAT, clear the vehicle and register the plates.
Buying & import guides for Nigeria
Model picks and import know-how for the Nigeria market.
Best Japanese Cars for the Nigeria Market
Nigeria drives on the right and needs left-hand-drive vehicles. Here is how to choose durable, parts-friendly Japanese cars that handle local roads and fuel.
Read moreBuying guidesToyota Corolla Fielder & Axio buyer's guide
The wagon and sedan that blend low running costs, space and bulletproof reliability for private and taxi use.
Read moreBuying guidesToyota Camry Export Buyer's Guide: Comfortable Executive Sedan with Hybrid Options
What export buyers should know about the Toyota Camry: hybrid economy, durability, parts availability and which import markets reward this roomy executive sedan.
Read moreBuying guidesLexus RX Export Buyer's Guide: Premium SUV Comfort With Toyota Reliability
The Lexus RX for export buyers: luxury SUV comfort, strong reliability and the auction-sheet checks that protect your purchase.
Read moreBuying guidesToyota Hiace export buyer's guide: the world's favourite van
Why the Hiace is the top commercial import in Africa and beyond, which generations and variants to target, and what to budget.
Read moreShipping & logisticsImport duty and taxes on used cars, explained
How duty, VAT, excise and clearing fees stack on top of CIF, and why the same car costs different amounts in different countries.
Read moreFrequently asked questions
Can I import a right-hand-drive car into Nigeria?+
No. Nigeria drives on the right, so only left-hand-drive (LHD) vehicles are suitable. Right-hand-drive cars are not appropriate for the Nigerian market.
What is the maximum age of a used car I can import?+
An age cap of around 15 years is commonly cited, but the policy has changed over the years and enforcement varies. Always confirm the current limit with the Nigeria Customs Service before shipping.
Are the duty figures shown here exact?+
No. The duty, levy and VAT figures are indicative only, for estimating landed cost. Actual charges depend on the customs valuation and current policy, so confirm current rates with the Nigeria Customs Service.
Figures are indicative and change frequently. Always confirm current rules and rates with the official customs authority before importing.
Get market updates and stock alerts
Join importers across Europe and Africa. Price guides, regulation changes and new arrivals in your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.