Shipping a Car to Nigeria from the UK: Costs, Rules & Process

Nigeria is one of the largest vehicle import markets in West Africa, and the United Kingdom is a major source of used vehicles for Nigerian buyers. Whether you're a private individual, a dealership, or a commercial exporter, understanding the Nigerian import landscape is essential for a smooth transaction. Learn more about exporting vehicles from the UK.

Key facts:
• Nigeria allows the import of used vehicles, but age restrictions apply
• The main import ports are Lagos (Tin Can Island and Apapa) and Lekki Deep Sea Port
• Right-hand-drive vehicles are NOT permitted — only left-hand-drive (LHD) vehicles can be registered
• Import duties are significant and vary by vehicle type and engine size

Ship Cars RoRo operates regular RORO and container services from Tilbury and Southampton to Lagos.

RORO Shipping (most common for Nigeria):
• Cost: £1,000–£1,800 from Tilbury or Southampton
• Transit time: 14–21 days
• Port: Tin Can Island, Lagos

Container Shipping:
• Dedicated 20ft: £2,000–£3,200
• Shared container: £1,200–£2,200
• Transit time: 16–24 days

Nigerian import duties (approximate):
• Import duty: 20–35% depending on vehicle type
• VAT: 7.5%
• CISS levy: 1% of FOB value
• Surcharge: 7% of duty
• ETLS levy: 0.5%

Total duties can amount to 35–50% of the vehicle's declared value, making Nigeria one of the more expensive destinations for import duties. Budget accordingly.

Age restriction: Nigeria prohibits the import of vehicles older than 15 years from the date of manufacture. Vehicles exceeding this limit will be denied entry or attract a prohibitive levy.

Left-hand drive only: Nigeria drives on the right. Right-hand-drive vehicles are banned from import. Ensure your UK vehicle has been converted to LHD before shipping, or source LHD vehicles.

Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON): All imported vehicles must have a Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) certificate. This involves pre-shipment inspection at the UK end.

Pre-shipment inspection: Before shipping, the vehicle must be inspected by an accredited inspection agent (such as SGS, Cotecna, or Bureau Veritas) who issues a Clean Report of Findings (CRF).

Documentation required:
• Bill of Lading
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• SONCAP certificate
• Clean Report of Findings (CRF)
• Form M (import permit from Nigerian bank)
• V5C or export certificate

Customs clearance in Nigeria can be complex. Here's what to expect:

1. Appoint a licensed customs broker: Essential for navigating Nigerian Customs Service procedures.
2. Submit documentation: Bill of Lading, invoice, SONCAP, and CRF must be presented.
3. Duty assessment: Customs assesses the duty based on the vehicle's declared value and type.
4. Payment: All duties and levies must be paid before the vehicle is released.
5. Vehicle inspection: Physical inspection at the port to verify documents match the vehicle.
6. Release: Once cleared, the vehicle can be collected from the port or delivered inland.

Clearing typically takes 5–15 business days depending on documentation completeness and port congestion. Ship Cars RoRo works with trusted customs brokers in Lagos to expedite the process.

- Verify age eligibility: Count carefully — vehicles over 15 years old will be refused or attract punitive levies.
• Ensure LHD configuration: RHD vehicles will not clear customs.
• Complete pre-shipment inspection early: SONCAP and CRF can take 5–10 business days to process.
• Budget for high duties: Nigerian import duties are among the highest in Africa. Factor in 35–50% of vehicle value.
• Use a trusted broker: Port clearing in Lagos requires experienced local representation.
• Insure adequately: Marine insurance should cover the vehicle's full replacement value.

Ship Cars RoRo has extensive experience with Nigerian vehicle imports and manages the entire process from UK collection to Lagos port delivery. Compare West African pricing with other corridors on our car shipping costs page.

Before any international shipment, vehicles need to reach the loading port — and many customers ask us to handle the UK leg too. Our recovery and transport network covers every postcode, 24 hours a day.

Start with the main hubs: Car Recovery UK, Vehicle Recovery UK, 24/7 Breakdown Recovery and Nationwide Vehicle Transportation.

City coverage includes London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield and Bristol.

Pre-book a port run on a flatbed transporter from Southampton, Portsmouth, Liverpool or Felixstowe via Ipswich, or call 24/7 for breakdown recovery in London, Birmingham or Manchester.