UsedCarBase sources verified used cars from China and can ship them to Nigeria via Lagos. Below is how landing cost works for the Nigerian market in 2026, what is verifiable today, and where you should ask us for an exact figure before you commit.
The China → Lagos corridor
Used cars bound for Nigeria ship by sea container from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Ningbo) to Lagos — Apapa and Tin Can Island are the main vehicle terminals. Typical sea transit is 40–55 days, after which the vehicle is cleared at the port and delivered inland to your city. We inspect and load every vehicle at our Foshan yard before it sails, so what arrives matches what you paid for.
What makes up the landing cost in Nigeria
Your total landed cost is the sum of several layers stacked on top of each other:
- CIF Lagos — the vehicle price in China plus sea freight and marine insurance. This is your starting base.
- Import duty — 20%. Nigeria applies the ECOWAS-transmitted duty rate of 20% on used vehicles.
- NAC levy — 15%. The National Automotive Council levy is added on top, so used cars carry a 35% base customs charge (20% duty + 15% levy) before other items.
- Customs surcharges — administrative items such as the ETLS (ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme) charge, CISS inspection fee and port surcharge.
- VAT — 7.5%. Nigeria’s VAT is applied to the aggregate — the CIF value plus duty, levy and surcharges stacked together — so the effective VAT amount is higher than 7.5% of CIF alone.
- Clearing & inland transport — clearing agent fees, terminal handling, and delivery from Lagos to your city.
Because Nigeria Customs assesses the dutiable value at the port (not simply what you paid), the exact naira figure depends on the customs valuation for that specific model and year. We give you an exact Nigeria landing-cost quote before you buy so there are no surprises at Apapa.
How Nigeria differs from Ghana
If you have looked at our Ghana import duty guide, three differences stand out. First, Nigeria adds the 15% NAC levy that Ghana does not. Second, Nigeria’s VAT is 7.5% versus Ghana’s higher rate — but it stacks on the full duty-inclusive base. Third, valuation and inspection at Apapa/Tin Can are strict, so accurate documentation matters even more. Our landed-cost calculator currently covers Ghana; for Nigeria we prepare an exact estimate on request.
The age limit — confirm before you buy
Nigeria limits how old an imported used vehicle can be (commonly cited around 12 years from year of manufacture, with enforcement tightening). Rules and enforcement change, so confirm the current age limit with us before purchasing — a car outside the limit can be rejected at the port.
What UsedCarBase can do for Nigeria buyers
We source and inspect the vehicle in China and ship it CIF to Lagos. Port clearing and inland delivery in Nigeria are arranged case-by-case with local partners — tell us your city and we will confirm exactly what we can handle end-to-end and what stays on your side. We would rather under-promise and deliver than quote a service we cannot stand behind.
Ready for a real number? WhatsApp us the model, year and your destination city for an exact Nigeria landing-cost quote. We also ship across West Africa — see Côte d’Ivoire and Togo, or browse used cars from China ready to ship.