The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the commencement of procedures for granting safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported into or transiting through Nigeria by international travelers.
A statement signed by the NCS spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Wednesday, explained that the initiative, anchored on the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and relevant international conventions, applies to all personal, non-commercial vehicles owned by international visitors entering the country for tourism, diplomatic, business, or personal purposes.
According to the NCS, the new framework is designed to ease cross-border movement, enhance Nigeria’s compliance with international obligations, and reinforce the nation’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration.
The implementation derives its legal backing from Sections 142, 143, 144, and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as key international instruments, including the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), the UN TIR Convention (1975), the Istanbul Convention (1990), and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment. It also aligns with the World Customs Organization (WCO) Guidelines on Temporary Admission and the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) regulations.
Under the scheme, international travelers are required to present valid documentation at the point of entry, including an international passport, international driver’s licence, vehicle registration documents, insurance, and a CPD. Upon satisfactory inspection and verification, Customs will issue a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days, which will be electronically recorded. An extension of up to 30 days may be granted, subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.
Vehicles admitted under this arrangement are permitted to move freely within Nigeria, but must not be sold, leased, transferred, modified, or used for commercial purposes.
At the point of exit, travelers are required to present the vehicle alongside the approved Customs Temporary Admission Declaration. And, in cases of accident, theft, or mechanical breakdown, the nearest Customs office must be notified immediately for proper documentation and guidance.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the facilitation of legitimate travel, noting that the initiative further strengthens Nigeria’s role in cross-border cooperation while enhancing security and operational efficiency.
