Cost Of Clearing Cars In Nigeria

If you are planning to import a car into Nigeria, you need to understand what clearing it at the port will cost you. The process is never free, and it doesn’t have one fixed price. Several things affect what you will pay. These include the age of the car, engine size, fuel type, year of manufacture, and the current exchange rate. Clearing fees are often confusing for first-timers. Even regular importers still make costly mistakes when they fail to get the latest info.

This is why it is smart to work with experienced clearing agents. One trusted expert in this space is Yusuf Babatunde Jimoh. He handles freight forwarding and clearing services across all Nigerian ports. With many years in the business, he knows how to help you avoid delays, save costs, and get your car to you faster. If you are importing from Cotonou, the US, Europe, or Asia, he can assist you every step of the way.

To speak with him about clearing your car or container, you can reach him by phone at +2348052803653 or 09039743395. You can also send him an email at tunjim4@gmail.com. Now, let’s break down what it really costs to clear cars in Nigeria.

Cost Of Clearing Cars In Nigeria 2025

Clearing costs in 2025 are higher than in previous years. One major reason is the unstable exchange rate. Most customs duties in Nigeria are calculated using the official rate from the Central Bank. As of 2025, the dollar rate has gone over ₦1,400. This has raised the cost of clearing by over 40 percent compared to 2022.

For instance, a 2010 Toyota Camry now costs around ₦1.4 million to clear at the Lagos port. A 2015 model will go for about ₦2.2 million. These prices include customs duty, VIN valuation, shipping company charges, and terminal fees. Cars with bigger engines, like SUVs, attract higher clearing fees. Expect to pay between ₦2.8 million and ₦4 million for models like Lexus RX350 or Toyota Highlander 2017.

Another factor is the introduction of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system by Nigeria Customs. This method has made car valuation more uniform but also stricter. With this system, customs no longer guess the value. Each car has a set valuation based on its details. This means you can’t negotiate much anymore. If your documents don’t match, you pay a penalty.

Cost Of Clearing Cars In Nigeria Nairaland

Nairaland is one of the most popular forums in Nigeria. Many car importers use it to share their clearing experiences. Threads on car import and clearing always trend, especially when customs reviews its policies. In these threads, you’ll find discussions, price updates, and honest feedback from other Nigerians who just cleared cars.

From recent Nairaland posts, it’s clear that most people are worried about inconsistent customs duties. Some users shared how they paid ₦1.6 million to clear a 2012 Corolla at Tin Can Port, while others paid ₦1.2 million for the same model at PTML. This shows that the port you use and the officer handling your file can affect your cost.

A few users recommend using clearing agents who are honest and experienced. Many even mention how they were scammed by middlemen. So, using someone verified or with reviews from Nairaland is advised. The forum also shares breakdowns of charges like terminal charges, shipping line costs, and demurrage. Many members upload their receipts to help others estimate properly.

Cost Of Clearing Cars In Nigeria PDF

Many people search for PDF documents with updated clearing costs. Customs agents and logistics companies often create these files for clients. They include lists of common car models and the cost to clear them at different ports. The benefit of a PDF guide is that you can easily download and compare figures offline.

A standard clearing cost PDF should include customs duty, VAT, levy (if applicable), port charges, shipping line release fee, and terminal charges. For example, if the clearing cost for a 2016 Toyota Corolla is ₦1.9 million, the document should show the breakdown like this:

• Duty: ₦720,000
• VAT: ₦288,000
• Shipping and port charges: ₦620,000
• VIN and miscellaneous: ₦272,000

Some importers also use these PDFs to plan their car sales business. By knowing what each car will cost to clear, they can calculate their profit. You can ask your clearing agent to share their latest PDF list with you. Most serious agents update their lists every few months. Always check that the information is current. Many PDFs online are outdated.

Cost Of Clearing Cars In Nigeria 2022

Back in 2022, clearing costs were lower than what we see in 2025. The official exchange rate was about ₦570 to ₦600 per dollar. That made customs duty more affordable. For instance, you could clear a 2012 Honda Accord for about ₦850,000. A 2015 Corolla cost around ₦1.3 million.

The VIN system was already active in 2022, but it wasn’t strictly enforced. Many clearing agents still managed to adjust declared values. Some importers used loopholes like clearing older cars with documents stating a different model year. This worked in some ports, but it was a risky move.

Also, the port congestion in Lagos during 2022 made things slower. Some people paid demurrage of up to ₦200,000 because their agents delayed. At that time, Seme border was less busy, so many people started clearing cars through Cotonou. That option saved money, especially for cars from the US and Europe.

Cost Of Clearing A Car From Cotonou To Nigeria

Cotonou remains a popular entry point for cars coming into Nigeria. Many dealers prefer this route because clearing is cheaper and faster. The process involves clearing the car in Cotonou, driving it across the border, and finalizing payment at the Nigeria Customs checkpoint.

The cost depends on the car type, but here’s a rough guide:

• Small cars (Corolla, Civic): ₦800,000 to ₦1.2 million
• SUVs (Highlander, Pathfinder): ₦1.4 million to ₦2.2 million
• Luxury cars (Lexus, Benz): ₦2.5 million and above

You’ll also need to pay for border entry, escort, and Nigeria Customs clearance. That adds about ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 to your bill. Clearing through Cotonou is common for cars that are hard to clear at Apapa or Tin Can. However, you must use a trusted clearing agent so you don’t lose your vehicle to fraud or fake paperwork.

Cost Of Clearing Cars In Nigeria 2021

In 2021, clearing costs were cheaper, mostly because the dollar rate was lower. It hovered around ₦480 to ₦520. Also, the VIN system had not fully started, so valuation was still flexible. Many importers took advantage of that.

A 2010 Toyota Camry could be cleared for around ₦650,000. A 2014 Corolla was around ₦950,000. Many people cleared their cars faster and with fewer problems. Also, the customs duties for diesel vehicles were lower than those for petrol cars. This helped dealers who focused on commercial vehicles like buses and vans.

The challenge in 2021 was the increased number of vehicles at the port. This caused some delay. Still, most importers preferred Lagos because of the proximity to buyers. Clearing agents during that year made good profits. Many even gave discounts to regular clients, which made the process less expensive overall.

Cost Of Clearing Cars In Nigeria 2020

2020 was a unique year due to COVID-19. The lockdowns caused delays, but clearing costs stayed low for a while. The dollar was under ₦400 for part of the year. As a result, clearing fees were much lower.

You could clear a 2007 Camry for about ₦480,000. A 2012 Corolla cost between ₦700,000 and ₦800,000. Diesel trucks were also cheap to clear. Most of the clearing was done through Apapa and Tin Can since the borders were closed at some point.

One major issue that year was the backlog of containers. Many cars were stuck at the ports due to poor logistics. Some importers lost money because their vehicles arrived but could not be cleared in time. Still, for those who planned well and used reliable agents, 2020 was a year of big savings.

Cost Of Clearing Toyota Corolla 2007 In Nigeria

The Toyota Corolla 2007 remains one of the most popular cars in Nigeria. It’s affordable, reliable, and easy to maintain. Clearing this car depends on the port, year of import, and dollar rate at the time.

As of 2025, it costs about ₦950,000 to ₦1.1 million to clear a Corolla 2007 at Tin Can or Apapa. At Seme or through Cotonou, you might pay around ₦850,000. The breakdown looks like this:

• Customs duty: ₦350,000
• VAT: ₦150,000
• Shipping charges: ₦320,000
• Other fees: ₦180,000

This car attracts less duty because of its age and smaller engine. If you use a good clearing agent, you can get it done in less than 10 working days. Avoid agents that offer “shortcuts.” They often cause delays or get your car impounded.

Conclusion

Knowing the real cost of clearing cars in Nigeria helps you avoid surprise charges. From 2020 to 2025, the price has gone up due to exchange rates, new policies, and port congestion. Whether you’re buying a 2007 Corolla or a 2022 SUV, it’s smart to work with someone who understands the system.

That’s why many importers trust Yusuf Babatunde Jimoh. He offers professional freight forwarding and clearing services for all types of cars. He handles the process from start to finish, and makes sure your vehicle gets to you without stress.

To get help with your next car import, contact him on +2348052803653, 09039743395, or by email at tunjim4@gmail.com. It’s better to be guided by an expert than make costly mistakes. Let your next import be stress-free.