Export Cars to Nigeria
UK Car Export ships premium vehicles from the UK to Nigeria. We manage the full process from vehicle sourcing and DVLA documentation through to sea freight and customs clearance at Lagos (Apapa) Port.
Request Export QuoteExporting to Nigeria
Nigeria is one of West Africa's largest vehicle import markets. Lagos Port (Apapa) is the primary entry point for vehicle imports. Most vehicles are subject to import duty calculated on CIF value, with regulations managed by the Nigeria Customs Service.
UK Car Source manages the full export process including vehicle sourcing, pre-export inspection, documentation, sea freight booking and customs clearance support. Both RoRo and container shipping options are available.
| Driving Side | Right-hand traffic — UK RHD vehicles widely accepted and imported |
| Transit Time | 4–6 weeks (sea freight) |
| Main Port | Lagos (Apapa) |
| Currency | Nigerian Naira (NGN) |
Import Tax Breakdown
| Import Duty | 35% of CIF value (luxury vehicles); 5–20% for other categories |
| VAT | 7.5% |
| ETLS Surcharge | 7% levy on vehicles |
| CISS / Destination Inspection | Approx. 1% of FOB value |
| Total Effective Rate | 50–60% of CIF for luxury vehicles |
| Age Restriction | Vehicles over 12 years from manufacture prohibited — reduced from 15 years in May 2022 under the VIN Valuation Policy. Strictly enforced by NCS. |
| Clearance Bodies | NCS, NAFDAC, SON all involved in clearance |
Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. Verify with local customs authority before shipping.
Port Guide
Apapa Port (Lagos) is the primary vehicle import port, handling the vast majority of UK car imports. Tin Can Island Port (Lagos) is the secondary option and often less congested. Port Harcourt Port serves the Niger Delta region.
Apapa is notoriously congested — clearance can take 3–8 weeks with significant trucking queue delays. Pre-arrival documentation (Form M, SON IECAS registration) must be in place before shipment or goods will be held. Use a reputable clearing agent in Lagos — this is essential, not optional. NCS (Nigeria Customs Service) handles all formal clearance. Recommend using an experienced Nigeria-specialist freight forwarder.
Estimated Timelines
Vehicle Sourcing & Preparation
1–3 weeks depending on specification and availability
Documentation & Export Clearance
3–7 working days including PVOC inspection
Sea Freight Transit
18–28 days sea freight to Apapa / Tin Can Island
Customs Clearance at Destination
3–8 weeks — allow extended buffer for Apapa Port congestion
Total Estimated Process
8–16 weeks from order to delivery (Apapa congestion is the primary variable)
Local Market Advice
Lagos is one of Africa's largest prestige car markets. Nigerian buyers are extremely brand-conscious — condition, specification, and provenance matter enormously. Low mileage is essential; anything over 60,000km is considered high mileage. Black, white, and silver dominate colour preferences — avoid unusual colours.
The G63 AMG commands a significant premium in Lagos. Many buyers source through agents to avoid inflated local dealer prices. Budget for customs agent fees of 5–8% of vehicle value on top of duties. The top end is dominated by ultra-luxury models — the market for prestige vehicles remains robust even amid economic uncertainty.
Most Popular Vehicles
Nigeria is West Africa's largest economy and its vehicle market reflects the country's appetite for the most exclusive automotive hardware in the world. Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt have a concentration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals who demand the absolute pinnacle of prestige motoring. The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG is Nigeria's most iconic status vehicle — the combination of bespoke hand-built luxury and imposing road presence makes it the vehicle of choice for executives, prominent public figures and successful entrepreneurs. UK-sourced G63 AMG examples in Obsidian Black or Designo Manufaktur colours command USD$250,000–USD$350,000 landed in Lagos.
The Range Rover Autobiography Long Wheelbase (both P530 petrol and P400e hybrid) is the second most important vehicle in the prestige segment, chosen by buyers who prioritise cabin luxury alongside exclusivity. Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan have emerged as strong sellers in the Lekki and Victoria Island markets where Lagos's wealthiest buyers are concentrated. Toyota Land Cruiser GX V8 serves the security-conscious buyer who needs bulletproof alternatives or simply wants Toyota reliability at the prestige tier. For buyers one rung below the ultra-luxury tier, Mercedes GLE 53 AMG and BMW X7 M50i are consistent performers.
| Top Seller | Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG |
| Runner Up | Range Rover Autobiography LWB |
| Prestige Choice | Bentley Bentayga / Rolls-Royce Cullinan |
| Budget Pick | Toyota Land Cruiser GX V8 |
Common Questions
How bad is Apapa Port congestion and what can be done about it?
Apapa Port in Lagos has a well-documented congestion problem — truck queues stretching kilometres outside the port gate and unpredictable berthing delays are common. Average port dwell time for vehicles at Apapa can range from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on congestion levels. To mitigate this, we work with experienced Nigeria-based clearing agents who have established relationships at Apapa and can expedite clearance. We also time shipments to avoid peak congestion periods where possible. Some buyers opt for Tin Can Island Port, Apapa's sister facility, which sometimes offers faster turnaround.
What is the PVOC inspection process for vehicles exported to Nigeria?
Nigeria's Standards Organisation (SON) requires a Pre-Verification of Conformity (PVOC) inspection for all used vehicles before export from the UK. An approved inspection body — currently Cotecna or equivalent SON-appointed agent — inspects the vehicle in the UK and issues a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). This certificate must accompany the shipping documents. The inspection covers roadworthiness, emissions compliance and condition. We arrange PVOC inspections as part of our standard Nigeria export service — vehicles that fail inspection cannot legally be cleared through Nigerian Customs (NCS).
Why is the G63 AMG so popular in Nigeria specifically?
The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG resonates uniquely with Nigeria's wealthy buyer class for a combination of reasons. Its hand-built exclusivity, 577bhp twin-turbo V8 sound, and unmistakable boxy silhouette make it instantly recognisable as a statement of success. The G-Wagen's elevated ride height also suits Lagos's frequently flooded roads — a practical advantage in a city where flash flooding regularly submerges lower vehicles. The G63's strong international resale value is also a factor: buyers view it as a store of wealth in addition to a vehicle.
Ready to Export to Nigeria?
Contact our specialist export team today. We handle everything from vehicle sourcing through to delivery at your destination.