The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced commencement of implementation of procedures for granting safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported into or transiting through Nigeria by international travellers.
A statement signed by Customs spokesman, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, said the initiative, which is anchored on the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and relevant international conventions on temporary admission and vehicle transit, is aimed at facilitating cross-border movement while ensuring compliance with customs regulations.
Under the new framework, the policy applies to all personal, non-commercial vehicles owned by international travellers visiting Nigeria for tourism, diplomatic, business, or personal purposes. According to the NCS, the scheme is designed to ease movement across borders, strengthen Nigeria’s adherence to international obligations, and reinforce the country’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration.
The Service noted that the implementation is supported by Sections 142, 143, 144, and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as international instruments including the Revised Kyoto Convention, the UN TIR Convention of 1975, the Istanbul Convention of 1990, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment.
It also aligns with the World Customs Organization’s guidelines on temporary admission and the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) regulations.
International travellers bringing personal vehicles into Nigeria are required to present valid documents at points of entry. These include an international passport, international driver’s licence, vehicle registration documents, insurance, and a CPD.
Following satisfactory inspection and verification, the NCS will issue a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days, which will be electronically recorded.
Travellers may apply for a one-time extension of up to 30 days, subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.
Vehicles admitted under the scheme are permitted to move freely within Nigeria but are prohibited from being sold, leased, transferred, modified, or used for commercial purposes.
At the point of exit, travellers are required to present the vehicle alongside the approved Temporary Admission Declaration. In cases of accident, theft, or mechanical breakdown, affected travellers are expected to notify the nearest Customs office immediately for documentation and guidance.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the facilitation of legitimate travel, noting that the initiative further strengthens Nigeria’s role in cross-border cooperation while enhancing security and operational efficiency in the customs process.
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