Can I import a right-hand-drive Japanese car to Nigeria?

Standard Japanese domestic-market cars are right-hand drive, which does not suit Nigerian roads where left-hand drive is required. We source left-hand-drive Japanese-export models through our auction network — the selection is smaller, but we can find the right car for your budget.

Is there an age limit on imported cars in Nigeria?

Nigeria has had a 15-year age cap in policy, later adjusted to 12 years, and rules have changed over time. Our team verifies the current age limit before we source your car so you do not face rejection at Lagos port.

What is Form M and do I need it to import a car from Japan?

Form M is a mandatory Nigerian import declaration that must be opened at a Nigerian bank before the shipment leaves Japan. It is part of the PAAR/SONCAP process that governs all commercial imports. We guide you through the Nigerian-side requirements and co-ordinate with your bank.

How much duty will I pay to import a car from Japan to Nigeria?

The indicative total is around 20% import duty, 15% excise, 7.5% VAT and roughly 12.5% in additional levies — all applied to the VIN-based customs value, not your purchase price. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your specific car before you commit.

Which port do Japanese cars arrive at in Nigeria?

The main vehicle entry point is Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. It handles the largest volume of imported vehicles in Nigeria, and our team co-ordinates clearing there through experienced local agents.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Nigeria

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Nigeria is West Africa's largest car market by volume, and used Japanese vehicles — arriving through Lagos's Tin Can Island terminal — are a significant part of the import mix. The most important rule before you start: Nigeria requires left-hand-drive vehicles for normal road registration, which means the standard right-hand-drive stock from Japan's domestic market does not suit the Nigerian road network. There is also a vehicle age policy to navigate — our team verifies the current age limit and any applicable exceptions before we source your car. On the duty side, Nigeria layers costs firmly. Expect approximately 20% import duty, a 15% excise surcharge, 7.5% VAT and additional levies of around 12.5% on the imported value. Customs valuation follows VIN-based pricing schedules, not the invoice amount, and the clearing process — Form M, SONCAP/PAAR documentation and customs broker engagement — is detailed enough that having an experienced team on the ground makes a real difference. We handle all of it from Japan sourcing through to Lagos delivery.

Main ports: Lagos / Tin Can Island
Import age rule: Used vehicle age limit and policy changes should be checked; LHD required for normal road use.
Steering: LHD
Duties & taxes: Nigeria charges 20% import duty, a 15% automotive (NAC) levy, roughly 3% in ETLS/surcharge/CISS fees, and 7.5% VAT — about 45-50% of CIF all-in. Right-hand-drive cars cannot be registered and used cars over 12 years old are banned.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Nigeria

Confirm LHD and age compliance
We start by confirming that the car you want is left-hand drive and within Nigeria's current age limit. Japan produces LHD models for export markets, and we can access these through our auction network — but the shortlist is narrower than for RHD markets, so budget and model preference guide the search.
We source it from Japan's auctions
Our licensed USS auction access lets us find the specific LHD model, read the auction sheet and grade, and verify condition before you put down any money.
Pre-shipment documentation
Nigeria requires a Form M from your Nigerian bank before import, plus SONCAP/PAAR certification for the vehicle. We advise on the Nigerian-side paperwork and prepare the Japan-side export documents to match.
Ocean shipping to Lagos / Tin Can Island
The vehicle sails to Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking, and co-ordinate with your appointed clearing agent on arrival.
Duty and clearing at Lagos
Our team works through VIN valuation, pays the duty, excise, VAT and levies, and manages SONCAP/PAAR endorsement and customs clearance at the port.
Inland delivery to your city
Once cleared, the vehicle is transported from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ibadan, Benin City or your destination. We quote this cost before you commit.

Import duties & taxes in Nigeria explained

Nigerian import taxes for used vehicles stack up to a significant total. The current indicative rate is approximately 20% import duty, 15% excise/surcharge, 7.5% VAT and further levies of about 12.5% — all applied to the customs-assessed value using VIN-based schedules rather than your purchase price. This means two buyers importing the same model can face different bills depending on which year's VIN schedule applies. Because rates and valuation rules are subject to policy change, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Nigeria

Toyota Corolla
The most trusted family sedan in Nigeria — parts are everywhere, mechanics know them well, and the left-hand-drive Japanese-export versions are widely available through our auction network.
See prices
Honda Fit
A compact LHD hatchback with strong fuel economy in Lagos traffic and a practical cabin that punches above its price, available in petrol and hybrid.
See prices
Toyota Probox
A durable wagon favoured by Nigerian businesses for its low running cost and load capacity — LHD export versions are available from Japan.
See prices
Mazda Demio
An affordable, well-finished LHD hatchback that keeps the duty bill down thanks to its small engine and low customs value.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Light and economical with low maintenance demands — a sensible first Japanese import for buyers entering the LHD market.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Nigeria

Lagos — You are at the port, so local delivery for a sedan adds only about $100.
Ibadan — Delivery from Lagos to Ibadan adds roughly $160 for a sedan.
Benin City — Delivery from Lagos to Benin City adds roughly $230 for a sedan.
Port Harcourt — Delivery from Lagos to Port Harcourt adds roughly $340 for a sedan.
Abuja — Delivery from Lagos to Abuja adds roughly $380 for a sedan.
Kano — Delivery from Lagos to Kano adds roughly $540 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import a right-hand-drive Japanese car to Nigeria?: Standard Japanese domestic-market cars are right-hand drive, which does not suit Nigerian roads where left-hand drive is required. We source left-hand-drive Japanese-export models through our auction network — the selection is smaller, but we can find the right car for your budget.
Is there an age limit on imported cars in Nigeria?: Nigeria has had a 15-year age cap in policy, later adjusted to 12 years, and rules have changed over time. Our team verifies the current age limit before we source your car so you do not face rejection at Lagos port.
What is Form M and do I need it to import a car from Japan?: Form M is a mandatory Nigerian import declaration that must be opened at a Nigerian bank before the shipment leaves Japan. It is part of the PAAR/SONCAP process that governs all commercial imports. We guide you through the Nigerian-side requirements and co-ordinate with your bank.
How much duty will I pay to import a car from Japan to Nigeria?: The indicative total is around 20% import duty, 15% excise, 7.5% VAT and roughly 12.5% in additional levies — all applied to the VIN-based customs value, not your purchase price. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your specific car before you commit.
Which port do Japanese cars arrive at in Nigeria?: The main vehicle entry point is Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. It handles the largest volume of imported vehicles in Nigeria, and our team co-ordinates clearing there through experienced local agents.