Shipping a vehicle to Nigeria? We handle cars, 4x4s and vans by RoRo or container.
We ship vehicles to Nigeria by sea: cars from £1,500, SUVs from £2,300 and vans from £2,800, priced on the length and width of the vehicle. Nigeria does not allow the import of vehicles more than 12 years old from the year of manufacture — check that before you buy, because it is the single most expensive mistake on this route.
Vehicles are one of the most valuable things we move and one of the most rule-bound. Most of the process is straightforward — but one rule is absolute, and people meet it in the wrong order.
Nigeria prohibits the import of any vehicle more than 12 years old from its year of manufacture. Not a higher duty rate: a prohibition. Check the manufacture year on the V5C before you hand over any money.
RoRo or container?
Most people shipping one ordinary running car choose RoRo. A container is worth discussing if you are relocating and would be shipping furniture anyway — filling the space around the vehicle can beat two separate shipments.
| RoRo | Container | |
|---|---|---|
| Priced by | Vehicle class and size | Container share or exclusive use |
| How it travels | Drives on, drives off | Loaded and sealed inside |
| Suits | A single running vehicle | Non-runners, high-value cars, car + household goods |
| Belongings inside | Generally not | Often possible — ask first |
What it costs
Vehicle shipping is priced on the space the vehicle occupies, so the length and width of what you are sending is what moves the number — not its value or its weight. These are our UK-to-Nigeria rates:
| Vehicle | Price | Priced on |
|---|---|---|
| Car | £1,500 – £2,000 | Length and width of the vehicle |
| SUV / 4x4 | £2,300 – £2,600 | Length and width of the vehicle |
| Van | £2,800 – £3,500 | Length and width of the vehicle |
What you need
- V5C logbook for the vehicle
- Proof of purchase — invoice or receipt
- Photo identification for the shipper
- SONCAP compliance, which applies to vehicles
- A completely empty fuel tank — fuel makes it dangerous goods and carriers will refuse it
Duty on arrival
Duty is assessed on the vehicle’s value plus freight and insurance, with levies and VAT on top. It is a meaningful fraction of what the car cost, so it should be part of your budget from the start rather than a surprise at the port.
Customs assess the value themselves — buying cheaply does not guarantee a low assessment. Our import duty calculator lets you model the likely charges before you commit.
Motorcycles, vans and parts
Motorcycles and vans follow the same pattern: age limits, duty on value, and fuel completely drained. Spare parts are generally fine with duty, with one firm exception — used and retreaded tyres are prohibited outright. New tyres are fine.
Timing
Vehicles travel by sea, and clearing a vehicle takes longer than clearing a barrel — so vehicle cutoffs fall earlier than general cargo. If the car needs to be there for a particular date, check the current deadlines before you buy.
What's Included
- RoRo & container options
- Cars, 4x4s, vans & bikes
- Cars from £1,500
- Documentation guidance
Common questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Nigeria?
Cars are £1,500–£2,000, SUVs £2,300–£2,600 and vans £2,800–£3,500. Where you fall in the range depends on the length and width of the vehicle, which is what determines the space it takes on the ship. That is the shipping only — import duty is assessed separately on arrival and should be budgeted for.
How old can a car be to import into Nigeria?
No more than 12 years from the year of manufacture. Older vehicles cannot be imported at all. Check the manufacture year rather than the registration year, since a car registered in one year may have been built the year before.
What documents do I need?
The V5C logbook, proof of purchase and your photo identification as a minimum, plus SONCAP compliance. The vehicle must also be completely drained of fuel before shipping.
Is RoRo or container better?
RoRo is usually cheaper for a single running vehicle. A container makes sense if the car does not run, if it is valuable enough to want enclosed, or if you want to fill the remaining space with household goods.
Can I pack belongings in the car?
By RoRo, generally not. Inside a container it is often possible. Ask us before loading anything, because undeclared contents cause clearance problems that delay the whole shipment.
How much duty will I pay?
It depends on the assessed value of the vehicle plus freight and insurance, with levies and VAT on top. Customs set the valuation, not the invoice. Use our duty calculator for an estimate before you buy.
How long does it take?
Sea transit plus clearance, typically 4–6 weeks — though vehicles usually clear more slowly than general cargo, so allow extra if there is a deadline.