Importing a Car into Nigeria from the UK: Age Limits, Apapa Port and Customs Duty

The Nigeria Customs Service prohibits the import of used passenger vehicles older than 12 years from the date of manufacture, with the age calculated at the point of importation rather than shipment. Vehicles exceeding this limit can be seized and are effectively unsellable through official channels, so always confirm the manufacture year — not just the registration year — against the current calendar before booking a shipment. This limit is reviewed periodically by the Federal Government, so checking the latest Nigeria Customs directive close to your shipping date is worthwhile.

Vehicles from the UK are shipped by RORO or container from Southampton, Tilbury or Sheerness to Apapa Port or Tin Can Island Port, both in Lagos, Nigeria's main commercial gateway. Transit time is typically 3–5 weeks for RORO and slightly longer for container transhipment routes. RORO is generally cheaper and popular for standard saloons and SUVs, costing roughly £700–£1,100, while container shipping — recommended for higher-value or modified vehicles to reduce handling risk — runs £900–£1,400.

Nigeria applies 35% customs duty on the CIF value of most imported vehicles, plus a further levy that varies by vehicle category — commonly an additional percentage for vehicle improvement or ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme adjustments — bringing the combined duty-and-levy rate to roughly 35–70% depending on the vehicle's classification and engine size. On top of duty, a 7.5% VAT-equivalent charge and port terminal handling fees apply, meaning total government charges on a mid-range SUV can exceed the vehicle's original UK purchase price.

Working with a licensed Nigerian customs agent to get an accurate pre-shipment duty estimate through the Nigeria Customs valuation system is essential before committing funds, since informal estimates from sellers are frequently inaccurate.

You will need the original V5C or bill of sale, commercial invoice, bill of lading or RORO booking confirmation, and — critically — a Form M and PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report) processed through the Nigeria Customs Service's electronic platform before the vehicle arrives. Without a valid PAAR, clearance cannot proceed and demurrage charges accrue rapidly at Lagos ports. Our UK export documents checklist covers the departure side; a Nigerian clearing agent manages Form M, PAAR and customs valuation.

Lagos ports are notorious for congestion, and demurrage charges can accumulate quickly if the PAAR and duty payment aren't finalised before the vessel docks. Reputable UK freight forwarders shipping regularly to Nigeria typically work with an established Lagos-based clearing agent who begins the PAAR process while the vehicle is still in transit, minimising storage exposure. Expect agent fees of roughly £200–£400 in addition to duty, levy and port handling charges.

For a 2015 mid-size SUV purchased in the UK for £9,000 (within the 12-year limit): RORO shipping to Lagos approximately £900, customs duty and levy combined around £4,500–£6,000 depending on classification, VAT-equivalent charge roughly £700, terminal handling and demurrage buffer £300–£500, and clearing agent fees £250–£400. Total additional cost typically ranges from £6,650 to £8,500 — meaning landed cost can exceed double the UK purchase price, which is why accurate pre-shipment duty estimates are essential.