The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced procedures for granting safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported into or transiting through Nigeria by international travellers.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, announced the initiative in a statement issued by the Service’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, describing it as part of efforts to modernise border processes and align Nigeria with global best practices.
According to the NCS, the scheme is anchored on the provisions of the NCS Act, 2023, and relevant international conventions governing the temporary admission and transit of vehicles. It applies to all personal, non-commercial vehicles owned by international travellers visiting Nigeria for tourism, diplomatic, business or personal purposes.
Maiwada said the framework is designed to ease cross-border movement, enhance trade facilitation, strengthen regional integration and reinforce Nigeria’s compliance with its international obligations.
He explained that the initiative draws legal backing from Sections 142, 143, 144 and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as international instruments including the Revised Kyoto Convention, UN TIR Convention, Istanbul Convention and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment. It also aligns with World Customs Organisation guidelines on temporary admission and Carnet de Passages en Douane regulations.
Under the scheme, international travellers are required to present valid documentation at points of entry, including an international passport, international driver’s licence, vehicle registration documents, insurance and Carnet de Passages en Douane.
Upon satisfactory inspection and verification, Customs will issue a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days, which will be electronically recorded. Travellers may apply for a one-time extension of up to 30 days, subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.
The NCS clarified that vehicles admitted under the scheme may circulate freely within Nigeria but must not be sold, leased, transferred, modified or used for commercial purposes.
At exit points, travellers are required to present both the vehicle and the approved Customs Temporary Admission Declaration. In cases of accident, theft or breakdown, affected travellers are expected to notify the nearest Customs office immediately for proper documentation and guidance.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the facilitation of legitimate travel, noting that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s role in cross-border cooperation while enhancing security and operational efficiency.
