The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced a temporary vehicle entry procedure which allows international visitors to bring personal vehicles into Nigeria.
The Service made this known in a statement issued on its official X account.
It explained that the new framework is aimed at easing cross-border movement and ensuring compliance with international transit rules.
According to the statement, the initiative applies to all personal, non-commercial vehicles belonging to international travellers visiting Nigeria for tourism, business, diplomatic, or personal purposes.
The NCS said under the scheme, travellers will be required to present valid documents including an international passport, international driver’s licence, vehicle registration, insurance, and a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) at the point of entry.
“The initiative is anchored on the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and relevant international conventions on temporary admission and transit of vehicles,” the statement read in part.
The NCS further stated that the new system is designed to simplify travel, ensure legal compliance, and align Nigeria with international customs standards.
Details show that upon verification, the NCS will issue a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days, with the option to extend for 30 days subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.
Vehicles admitted under this system are allowed to move freely within Nigeria but cannot be sold, leased, transferred, modified, or used for commercial purposes. In the event of an accident, theft, or breakdown, travellers are instructed to notify the nearest Customs office immediately.
The policy is anchored on the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as international conventions including the Revised Kyoto Convention, UN TIR Convention, Istanbul Convention, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons.
The NCS emphasised that the initiative strengthens Nigeria’s commitment to trade facilitation, regional integration, and cross-border cooperation while ensuring security and regulatory compliance.
