The Nigeria Customs Service has announced the commencement of formal procedures to grant safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported into or transiting Nigeria by international travellers.
Okay News reports that the disclosure was made on Wednesday in a statement issued by Abdullahi Maiwada, spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, who said the initiative is designed to ease cross-border travel while aligning Nigeria with international trade and mobility standards.
According to the statement, the framework applies strictly to personal, non-commercial vehicles owned by international visitors entering the country for tourism, diplomatic assignments, business engagements, or private visits.
“It seeks to ease cross-border movement, strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international obligations, and reinforce the nation’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration,” the Service said.
Customs explained that the implementation is anchored on existing legal and international instruments.
“It is pertinent to note that this implementation draws legal backing from Sections 142, 143, 144, and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), UN TIR Convention (1975), Istanbul Convention (1990), and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment,” the statement said. It added that the policy also aligns with World Customs Organization guidelines on temporary admission and Carnet de Passages en Douane regulations.
Under the arrangement, international travellers are required to present specific documents at the point of entry, including a valid international passport, international driver’s licence, vehicle registration papers, insurance documents, and a Carnet de Passages en Douane.
“Upon satisfactory inspection and verification, a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days will be issued and electronically recorded,” Customs said, noting that travellers may apply for a one-time extension of up to 30 days, subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.
The Service stressed that vehicles admitted under the scheme are permitted to move freely within Nigeria but are subject to strict conditions. “Vehicles admitted under this regime are free to move within Nigeria but cannot be sold, leased, transferred, modified, or used for commercial purposes,” the statement clarified.
Customs further advised that at the point of exit, travellers must present the vehicle along with the approved Temporary Admission Declaration. In cases of accident, theft, or mechanical breakdown, affected travellers are required to immediately notify the nearest Customs office for proper documentation and guidance.
Reaffirming its position, the Nigeria Customs Service said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to openness and efficiency. “The NCS, therefore, reaffirms its commitment to transparency and accountability while facilitating legitimate travel. This initiative strengthens Nigeria’s role in cross-border cooperation and ensures compliance with existing regulations to enhance security and efficiency,” the statement concluded.
