The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced procedures to grant safe passage for personal vehicles temporarily imported into or transiting through Nigeria by international travelers.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, announced the development on Wednesday in a statement issued by the service’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, and shared across the agency’s official communication platforms.
Maiwada said the initiative is anchored on the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and aligned with relevant international conventions governing the temporary admission and transit of vehicles.
He explained that the new framework applies to all personal, non-commercial vehicles owned by international travelers visiting Nigeria for tourism, diplomatic, business or private purposes.
According to him, the move is designed to ease cross-border movement, enhance Nigeria’s compliance with international obligations, and demonstrate the country’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration.
“The implementation is backed by Sections 142, 143, 144 and 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as international instruments such as the Revised Kyoto Convention, the UN TIR Convention of 1975, the Istanbul Convention of 1990, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment,” he said.
Maiwada added that the framework also aligns with the World Customs Organization guidelines on temporary admission and the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) system.
He said international travelers are required to present valid documentation at entry points, including an international passport, international driver’s licence, vehicle registration papers, insurance documents and a CPD.
Upon satisfactory inspection and verification, he said Customs would issue a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days, which would be electronically recorded in the system.
Maiwada noted that travelers may apply for a single extension of up to 30 days, subject to approval by the appropriate Customs Area Controller.
He stressed that vehicles admitted under the scheme are permitted to move freely within Nigeria but must not be sold, leased, transferred, altered or used for commercial activities.
At the point of exit, he said travelers are required to present the vehicle along with the approved Customs Temporary Admission Declaration for clearance.
He added that in cases of accident, theft or mechanical breakdown, the nearest Customs office must be notified immediately for proper documentation and guidance.
Maiwada reaffirmed the service’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the facilitation of legitimate travel, noting that the initiative is expected to strengthen cross-border cooperation while enhancing security and operational efficiency.