Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Cars from USA to Nigeria

When I first thought about sending a car from the United States to Nigeria, I didn’t even know where to begin. Should I call a shipping company directly? Was there some kind of government office in Lagos I had to notify? And how much was it all going to cost me? The questions piled up faster than I could Google the answers.

Since then, after helping friends and family with their imports, I’ve realized most people wrestle with the same set of questions. If you’re considering shipping a car to Nigeria, this guide should help clear the fog. Think of it as a conversation—me sharing the most common FAQs I’ve heard, along with what I wish someone had told me from the start.

How much does it cost to ship a car from the USA to Nigeria?

This is the first thing everyone asks. And fair enough—importing a car isn’t cheap. The cost depends on several factors: the type of vehicle, the shipping method (RoRo or container), and the port of departure.

On average:

RoRo shipping for a sedan: $1,200 – $1,600

RoRo shipping for an SUV or truck: $1,500 – $2,000

20ft container for one car: $2,200 – $3,000

40ft container (for two or three cars): $3,000 – $4,200 total

Of course, these are just shipping fees. The bigger surprise usually comes when you factor in clearing charges at the Nigerian port. Customs duties can be as high—or higher—than the actual shipping cost.

I once knew someone who got a Toyota Corolla at a U.S. auction for $3,000. By the time it landed in Lagos and cleared customs, the final bill was nearly $9,000. The car itself wasn’t the problem; it was the duties, port fees, and “miscellaneous expenses” that piled up.

How long does shipping take?

If the ship leaves on schedule, cars shipped from East Coast ports like Baltimore or New York usually reach Lagos in three to four weeks. From the West Coast, like Los Angeles or Seattle, it can stretch to six to eight weeks since ships either go through the Panama Canal or connect to another vessel.

But here’s the part people don’t like to hear: the sea voyage is often not the longest wait. Clearing the car in Nigeria can take as long—or longer—than the ocean trip. Depending on how efficient your clearing agent is, and how friendly customs is feeling, clearance can take anywhere from one week to six weeks.

I’ve had cars clear in under ten days, and I’ve also had one sit at Tin Can Port for nearly two months. The difference usually comes down to paperwork readiness and whether there are strikes or congestion at the port (which, unfortunately, is common).

Which ports in the USA are best for shipping cars to Nigeria?

Not all ports are equal when it comes to cost and convenience. The most popular U.S. ports for Nigeria-bound cars are:

Baltimore, Maryland – Affordable rates and regular RoRo schedules to Lagos.

Newark, New Jersey – Convenient for cars purchased around New York and New Jersey auctions.

Savannah, Georgia – Another East Coast option with decent container services.

Houston, Texas – Useful if the car is located in the South or Midwest.

Los Angeles, California – Mostly for West Coast shipments, but pricier and slower than East Coast routes.

If you’re buying from an auction like Copart or IAAI, it’s smart to factor in transport costs from the auction yard to the port. Sometimes people chase a “cheap” deal at a Michigan auction, only to find out it costs another $900 just to truck it to the nearest shipping port.

Should I choose RoRo or container shipping?

This debate never ends. RoRo is cheaper and quicker, but it has restrictions. You can’t load personal items in the car, and while vehicles are secured, they aren’t sealed inside a container. Container shipping costs more, but your car is better protected, and you can often ship household goods alongside it.

Personally, I used RoRo for an older Corolla and had no regrets. But when a friend shipped his newer Lexus RX, he went container. His exact words: “I’d rather spend the extra $1,000 than lose sleep for four weeks.”

A good rule of thumb: if the car is high-value, luxury, or you’re moving personal items along with it, go container. If it’s a reliable workhorse you just want on Nigerian roads fast, RoRo works.

What documents do I need?

Paperwork is where many people trip up. To ship from the U.S., you’ll need:

Original vehicle title (in your name or signed over to you)

Bill of sale or auction invoice

Photo ID or passport copy

Sometimes a power of attorney if a shipping agent is handling everything

On the Nigerian side, clearance requires:

Bill of lading (issued by the shipping line)

Clean report of inspection (CRI) if required

Customs valuation and duty receipts

Tax Identification Number (TIN) for the importer

Here’s where I learned the hard way: always double-check the VIN number on your documents matches the car exactly. A single digit off can cause days of headaches at the port.

Can I put personal items inside the car?

With RoRo, the answer is basically no. Shipping companies are strict about it, partly for customs reasons and partly for liability. I know someone who tried sneaking in a set of speakers in the trunk. By the time the car arrived in Lagos, the trunk was empty, and the clearing agent shrugged like it was inevitable.

With container shipping, you can include personal items, but don’t overdo it. Customs in Nigeria will open the container and inspect it, especially if it looks stuffed with brand-new goods. Household items, spare parts, or even a second smaller car in a 40ft container—those are possible. Just don’t expect to pack it like a moving van and avoid taxes.

How are customs duties calculated in Nigeria?

This is the part no one enjoys, but it’s unavoidable. Nigeria calculates duties based on the CIF value: Cost of the car + Insurance + Freight (shipping). The duty rates vary by vehicle type but often hover around 35% of CIF plus other surcharges like VAT, port charges, and environmental fees.

In reality, clearing agents are the ones who handle the nitty-gritty. They’ll quote you a lump sum to clear the car, and that figure includes both official duties and, let’s be honest, “unofficial facilitation.”

For example, a 2015 Toyota Camry might cost $1,400 to ship, but clearing could run between ₦1.8 million and ₦2.3 million depending on the year, engine size, and customs valuation system.

Are there restrictions on vehicle age?

Yes. Nigeria generally bans cars older than 15 years from the year of manufacture. But practically, anything older than 10 years attracts higher duties and stricter inspection.

So, while you might be technically allowed to import a 2011 car in 2025, don’t expect it to be smooth. Customs prefers cars 10 years or newer, and that preference is reflected in costs and time.

I once advised someone against shipping a 2008 Honda Accord. He ignored me, shipped it anyway, and ended up selling it at the port for peanuts because customs wouldn’t release it without a massive penalty. Lesson learned: sometimes the “cheap” car isn’t really cheap.

Can I buy cars from U.S. auctions for Nigeria?

Absolutely, and in fact, most cars headed to Nigeria come from auctions like Copart, IAAI, and Manheim. The prices can be attractive—sometimes ridiculously low. But remember, auction cars are usually sold “as-is.”

That bargain 2016 Ford Explorer for $4,000 may look shiny in photos, but it might have frame damage or mechanical issues that cost a fortune to fix in Nigeria. Always factor in repair costs, and don’t get blinded by the hammer price.

Do I need a clearing agent in Nigeria?

Unless you enjoy standing in line at customs for hours and deciphering endless forms, yes. A clearing agent is not just useful, it’s essential.

The trick is finding a reliable one. Nigeria has no shortage of “agents” who vanish once they collect their fee. I always recommend using someone who has cleared cars for a friend or family member—referrals are safer than random numbers online.

What surprises first-time importers the most?

If I had to pick three:

The true cost. Shipping is only half the expense; clearing can double or triple it.

The delays. Cars rarely clear as fast as you hope. Patience (and extra money for port storage fees) is necessary.

The condition of auction cars. What looks good in a U.S. photo can arrive with surprises—like a missing catalytic converter or a busted AC that wasn’t obvious until the Lagos heat hit.

Final Thoughts

Shipping a car from the U.S. to Nigeria isn’t rocket science, but it isn’t simple either. The process is filled with hidden costs, long waits, and occasional frustrations. Still, for many Nigerians, it’s worth it—U.S. cars are often cleaner, better maintained, and cheaper in the long run than local alternatives.

If you’re planning your first shipment, my advice is this: don’t just chase the cheapest deal. Think about the age of the car, budget for clearance, and work with an agent who knows the ropes. And if you hear yourself asking, “Can I save money by skipping step X?”—the answer is usually no.

With the right planning, you’ll eventually find yourself driving that imported car on Nigerian roads, grateful the process is behind you. Just don’t be surprised if someone at a traffic light asks, “Na from America you bring am?”

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

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