The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the implementation of a framework that grants safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported or transiting through Nigeria by international travelers.
The initiative, announced in a press release on Tuesday, is anchored on the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and supported by relevant international conventions governing temporary admission and transit of vehicles.
According to the NCS, the regime applies to all personal, non-commercial vehicles belonging to international travellers entering Nigeria for tourism, diplomatic, business, or personal reasons. The service said the move is aimed at easing cross-border mobility, strengthening Nigeria’s compliance with international obligations, and reinforcing the country’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration.
Customs explained that the implementation derives its legal authority from Sections 142, 143, 144, and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023. It is also aligned with 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. Other reference frameworks include the World Customs Organization (WCO) Guidelines on Temporary Admission and the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) regulations.
Under the new arrangement, international travellers are required to present specific documents at the point of entry. These include a valid international passport, international driver’s licence, vehicle registration documents, insurance cover, and a Carnet de Passages en Douane. Customs officers will conduct inspections and verify the documents before issuing a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit.
The permit, Customs said, is valid for an initial period of up to 90 days and will be electronically recorded. Travellers who require a longer stay may apply for an extension of up to 30 additional days, subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.
The Service stressed that vehicles admitted under the temporary regime are allowed to move freely within Nigeria, but must not be sold, leased, transferred, modified, or deployed for commercial activities. At the point of exit, travellers are expected to present both the vehicle and the approved Customs Temporary Admission Declaration for clearance.
In cases of accident, theft, or mechanical breakdown, the NCS directed that the nearest Customs office must be notified immediately for proper documentation and further guidance.
Reaffirming its position, the Nigeria Customs Service said the initiative reflects its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the facilitation of legitimate travel, while also strengthening Nigeria’s role in cross-border cooperation. The Service added that the framework is designed to enhance security, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in the management of temporarily admitted vehicles.
The statement was signed by the Deputy Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada.
