If you are importing a foreign-used vehicle, understanding clearing charges for Tokunbo car Nigeria is just as important as knowing what the car costs abroad.
A Toyota Camry that looks affordable at auction in the US can become significantly more expensive after freight, Customs assessment, terminal charges and clearing-agent fees are added. The mistake many first-time importers make is budgeting for the purchase and shipping while treating clearance as a small final expense.
In reality, clearing is one of the largest parts of your landed cost.
Nigeria’s vehicle import regime also changed in 2026. Under the Federal Government’s revised fiscal measures, the import levy on used vehicles was reduced from 15% to 5% from July 1, 2026. Passenger vehicle tariffs were also reviewed, while petrol vehicles with larger engines may attract a Green Tax surcharge.
What You Actually Pay When Clearing a Tokunbo Car
There is no single fixed amount for every imported car.
Customs assessment depends on factors such as the vehicle model, manufacturing year, engine specification and assessed value. Your final bill may also include:
- Customs duty and applicable import levy
- VAT and other statutory charges
- Shipping line release charges
- Terminal handling fees
- Clearing-agent charges
- Storage or demurrage where applicable
- Transportation from the port after release
This means two Toyota Camrys arriving at Tin Can Island may not necessarily cost the same amount to clear if their years, specifications or Customs valuations differ.
How Much Should You Budget in Nigeria?
For a normal passenger vehicle, it is safer to budget in millions rather than assume clearance will cost a few hundred thousand naira.
Before the July 2026 tariff adjustment, clearing a commonly imported sedan such as a Toyota Camry could approach ₦4 million in some situations. Industry estimates following the new measures suggested figures around ₦3.2 million to ₦3.3 million for comparable vehicles, although this should only be treated as a planning example rather than a guaranteed Customs quote.
Your actual amount can be higher for newer vehicles, expensive SUVs and large-engine cars.
Petrol-powered vehicles above 2,000cc may also face an environmental surcharge under the Green Tax framework. Reports on the 2026 measures indicate a 2% to 4% surcharge for qualifying higher-capacity engines.
Why Your Agent’s First Quote Can Change
One common problem around Apapa, Tin Can and PTML is assuming an early estimate is the final amount.
A quote can change because of Customs valuation, exchange-rate movements, additional terminal days or incomplete documentation. Delays are particularly expensive because storage charges continue accumulating while the vehicle remains at the terminal.
Before shipping, obtain the VIN, exact model year and engine details and request a realistic landed-cost estimate.
Do not rely on unusually cheap clearing promises. Under-declaring a vehicle or using questionable Customs documents can create problems long after you have driven the car away.
Check the Documents Before Taking Delivery
After clearance, confirm that the paperwork corresponds with the actual vehicle.
Check important details such as:
- VIN or chassis number
- Vehicle description
- Customs assessment documents
- Payment evidence
- Shipping and terminal release documents
This becomes especially important when buying an already-cleared Tokunbo car from a dealer. A cheap car is not a bargain if its duty documentation cannot withstand verification.
Moving the Car After Customs Release
Clearing the vehicle is only part of the job. You still need to move it safely from the port to your home, dealership, workshop or another state.
For example, someone clearing a car in Lagos but living in Abuja must plan the onward movement before port release rather than start searching for transportation at the last minute.
Travo.ng can support vehicle transport coordination and related logistics arrangements, especially where customers need organised movement from Lagos to destinations elsewhere in Nigeria.
The practical approach is to calculate your purchase price, freight, estimated clearing charges for Tokunbo car Nigeria, port expenses and onward transportation together. That gives you the true landed cost before you commit money to the vehicle.
When you know those figures early, you can decide whether importing the car yourself genuinely saves money or whether buying an already-cleared vehicle in Nigeria makes better financial sense.
