The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has commenced procedures for granting safe passage and temporary admission to personal vehicles imported into or transiting Nigeria by international travellers.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in a statement by the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, who said the framework applies to personal, non-commercial vehicles owned by visitors entering Nigeria for tourism, diplomatic, business, or personal purposes.
According to Maiwada, the initiative aims to ease cross-border movement, strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international obligations, and reinforce the country’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration.
He explained that the policy is backed by Sections 142, 143, 144, and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as international conventions including the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), UN TIR Convention (1975), Istanbul Convention (1990), and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment. The framework also aligns with World Customs Organization (WCO) guidelines on Temporary Admission and Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) regulations.
Under the procedure, travellers are required to present valid documentation at the point of entry, including an international passport, international driver’s licence, vehicle registration papers, insurance documents, and a CPD. Upon successful inspection and verification, Customs will issue a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days, which will be electronically recorded.
The NCS said travellers may apply for a one-time extension of up to 30 days, subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.
Vehicles admitted under the scheme may move freely within Nigeria but must not be sold, leased, transferred, modified, or used for commercial purposes. At the point of exit, travellers are required to present the vehicle along with the approved Customs Temporary Admission Declaration.
In cases of accident, theft, or mechanical breakdown, the service said the nearest Customs office must be notified immediately for proper documentation and guidance.
Reaffirming its position, the NCS said the initiative underscores its commitment to transparency, accountability, and facilitation of legitimate travel, while strengthening Nigeria’s role in cross-border cooperation, security, and regulatory compliance.
