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Ikiodiete George
- 2 Min Read
Official Clearing Cost For Electric Cars In Nigeria (2025 Current Guide)
As electric vehicles (EVs) grow in popularity globally, many Nigerians are now importing EVs for their eco-friendly benefits and long-term savings. But before you start driving, there’s one hurdle to cross—clearing your electric car through Nigerian Customs.
This updated 2025 guide explains the current cost of clearing electric vehicles in Nigeria, including the official duties, port charges, and estimated fees per model.
Breakdown of Customs Charges for Electric Cars in Nigeria
Every electric vehicle entering Nigeria is subject to several customs duties and port-related fees. Here's a simplified breakdown:
| Charge Type | Rate / Description |
| Import Duty | 35% of CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) |
| EV Incentive Levy | 0%–35% depending on government waiver status |
| VAT (Value Added Tax) | 7.5% of total cost (CIF + duties + levies) |
| CISS Inspection Fee | 1% of CIF |
| ECOWAS ETLS Levy | 0.5% of CIF |
| Port Surcharge | 7% of Import Duty |
| Terminal Charges | ₦60,000 – ₦200,000 (depending on port and vehicle size) |
| Clearing Agent Fee | ₦100,000 – ₦350,000 (negotiable) |
Note: CIF = Total cost of the car, insurance, and shipping to Nigeria.
Sample EV Clearance Calculation (2025)
Let’s use a 2022 Tesla Model 3 with a CIF value of ₦10 million.
| Fee Description | Amount (₦) |
| CIF (Value of Car + Shipping) | 10,000,000 |
| Import Duty (35%) | 3,500,000 |
| Port Surcharge (7%) | 245,000 |
| Inspection Fee (1%) | 100,000 |
| ETLS Levy (0.5%) | 50,000 |
| VAT (7.5% on total) | 1,041,000 |
| Total Customs Fees | ₦14.94 million |
| Clearing Agent Charge | 200,000 |
| Terminal Charges | 100,000 |
| Grand Total Estimate | ₦15.24 million |
Estimated Clearing Costs for Popular EVs in 2025
Here’s what you might expect to pay (excluding CIF):
| Electric Vehicle Model | Estimated Clearing Cost (₦) |
| Nissan Leaf (2015–2018) | ₦5M – ₦7.5M |
| Nissan Leaf (2019–2022) | ₦7M – ₦9M |
| Hyundai Kona EV (2020–2023) | ₦9M – ₦12M |
| Tesla Model 3 (2018–2021) | ₦12M – ₦15M |
| Tesla Model 3 (2022–2024) | ₦15M – ₦18M |
| Tesla Model Y (2021–2024) | ₦14M – ₦19M |
| Tesla Model S or X (2016–2020) | ₦17M – ₦23M |
| Audi e-tron (2019–2022) | ₦16M – ₦20M |
These costs vary depending on model year, port of arrival, and exchange rates.
Key Factors That Affect Clearing Costs
Several things can influence the total amount you’ll pay to clear an EV:
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CIF Value: The higher the value of the car, the more you’ll pay in duties and VAT.
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Exchange Rate: Customs uses the official dollar-to-naira rate, which changes monthly.
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Government Incentives: At times, the government may reduce or waive import duties on EVs.
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Vehicle Type: Bigger vehicles (SUVs) typically attract higher clearing costs.
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Shipping Method: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is usually cheaper than container shipping.
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Agent Experience: A trusted clearing agent can prevent unnecessary delays and extra costs.
Tips to Reduce Clearing Costs
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Import Used EVs (Over 1 Year Old): These often qualify for reduced levies.
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Use RoRo Shipping: This method is more affordable than containers.
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Monitor Government Incentives: Check if duties on EVs are being waived temporarily.
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Compare Clearing Agents: Shop around and get quotes from multiple agents.
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Time Your Import: Exchange rate fluctuations can significantly affect total cost.
Conclusion
Clearing an electric car in Nigeria isn’t cheap—but with proper planning, you can make informed decisions and avoid surprise fees. Depending on the model, expect to pay ₦5 million to ₦24 million (excluding the purchase price and CIF value).
As Nigeria pushes for a greener economy, electric vehicles are likely to become more affordable to clear. Until then, make sure you calculate everything—CIF, duties, VAT, port charges, and agent fees—before shipping your EV.
