The Current Cost of Clearing Cars in Nigeria (Updated 2026)

If you're planning to import a car into Nigeria in 2026, knowing the real cost of clearing it through customs is non-negotiable. Whether it's a Tokunbo (used car) or a brand-new whip, clearing charges at Nigerian ports like Tin Can Island, Apapa, or PTML can quickly pile up.

To avoid surprises, we've broken down the current official clearing rates, plus extra charges you must prepare for—including agent fees, shipping charges, and taxes.

Overview of Vehicle Clearing Charges in Nigeria (2026)

Charge Type	Applicable To	Rate
Import Duty	New & Used Cars	20%
NAC Levy	New Cars	20%
NAC Levy	Used Cars	15%
VAT (on CIF + Duty)	All Vehicles	7.5%
Customs Processing Fee	All Vehicles	~1%
NPA Fee	All Vehicles	~1%

What is NAC Levy?

The National Automotive Council (NAC) Levy is an additional tax imposed by the Nigerian Customs Service to encourage local car production. While new cars attract 20% NAC, used cars pay 15%.

Example: Clearing a Used Toyota Camry (2020 Model)

Let’s assume your Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value is ₦3,000,000.

Component	Rate / Fee	Amount (₦)
Import Duty	20% of ₦3,000,000	₦600,000
NAC Levy (Used Car)	15% of ₦3,000,000	₦450,000
Subtotal	—	₦1,050,000
VAT	7.5% of ₦4,050,000	₦303,750
Customs & NPA Fees	~2% of ₦3,000,000	₦60,000
Total Clearing Cost	—	₦1,413,750

Other Associated Costs to Prepare For

Additional Cost	Estimated Range (₦)	Notes
Clearing Agent Fee	₦50,000 – ₦150,000	Negotiable based on location/vehicle type
Terminal & Shipping Charges	₦50,000 – ₦100,000	Includes port handling & demurrage risks
Documentation & Insurance	₦20,000 – ₦50,000	May vary depending on your clearing agent
Total Extra Charges	₦120,000 – ₦300,000	Add to your clearing budget

Estimated Clearing Cost by Car Type (2026)

Car Type	Average CIF (₦)	Estimated Clearing Cost (₦)
Toyota Corolla 2010	₦2.5 million	₦1.2 million – ₦1.4 million
Honda Accord 2012	₦3 million	₦1.3 million – ₦1.5 million
Lexus RX 350 2016	₦6 million	₦2.5 million – ₦3.2 million
Toyota Highlander 2020	₦8 million	₦3.2 million – ₦4 million
Mercedes-Benz GLE 2020	₦12 million	₦5 million – ₦6 million

Note: Final cost may vary based on the current customs exchange rate, shipping method (RoRo vs Container), and demurrage.

Tips to Save on Car Clearing in Nigeria

Work with a registered clearing agent to avoid overcharging and delays.
Clear your car quickly after arrival to avoid demurrage penalties.
Verify customs valuation for your vehicle category on the official NCS website.
Monitor the customs exchange rate, as it directly affects the cost of your duty.
Use the VIN Valuation System for transparency in customs value computation.

Customs Exchange Rate Alert (2026)

As of June 2026, the customs exchange rate fluctuates between ₦1,500 and ₦1,600 per USD, affecting how much duty and VAT you’ll pay. Always confirm the latest rate before importing or clearing.

What to Budget for in 2026

CIF (Car Cost + Freight)	Estimated Total Clearing
₦3,000,000	₦1.3M – ₦1.5M
₦5,000,000	₦2.2M – ₦2.8M
₦8,000,000	₦3.5M – ₦4.5M

Clearing costs average around 45%–50% of the CIF value for most cars in Nigeria.

Conclusion

Clearing a car in Nigeria in 2026 is expensive but manageable if you plan ahead. With import duty, NAC levy, VAT, port charges, and agent fees factored in, you're looking at almost half the car's value in clearance costs.

So before you buy that Tokunbo or brand-new car from abroad, calculate wisely, use trusted agents, and budget realistically.

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