Nigerians are buying imported cars again, and in a big way. New trade data shows passenger car imports more than doubled in the first half of 2026, while the ports handled over 100,000 vehicles in six months. If you are planning to buy a tokunbo or brand-new car before the end of the year, this surge affects the prices you will see, how long clearing takes, and how much bargaining power you have at the lot.
Here is what the numbers say, why it is happening, and what it means for your wallet.
The Numbers: Car Imports Up 146% in H1 2026
According to an analysis of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Q1 and Q2 2026 Foreign Trade Statistics reports published by Nairametrics, Nigeria’s passenger motor car imports rose about 145.6% year-on-year to ₦1.18 trillion in the first half of 2026, up from ₦479.26 billion in the same period of 2025.
- Q1 2026: ₦552.34 billion in passenger car imports (vs ₦224.58 billion in Q1 2025)
- Q2 2026: ₦624.75 billion (vs ₦254.67 billion in Q2 2025)
- Total transport equipment and parts: ₦3.73 trillion in H1 2026, up 44.2% from ₦2.59 trillion
- Parts and accessories: ₦722.59 billion, actually down about 4.4% from ₦755.43 billion a year earlier
The physical volumes tell a similar story. At a Port Consultative Council session in Lagos on 18 September 2026, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reported that vehicle traffic at the country’s ports rose 42.5% to 103,375 units in H1 2026, compared with 72,568 a year earlier. The NPA attributed much of that growth to roll-on/roll-off and transshipment operations at the PTML terminal at Tin Can Island, which also redistributes vehicles to neighbouring West African markets, so not every one of those units stays in Nigeria.
Note that the Naira value figure and the unit figure are not directly comparable. Naira values are affected by exchange rates and the type of cars coming in, while the port count includes transshipment. But both point in the same direction: far more cars are arriving than in 2025.
Why Are Car Imports Surging?
1. Lower import duty on vehicles
The biggest driver is policy. In July 2026, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, told lawmakers that the import duty on used vehicles had been cut from 15% to 5%, and on brand-new vehicles from 20% to 10%. For a tokunbo car, that is a meaningful reduction in the headline tariff, and dealers have responded by bringing in more stock.
Be careful, though: the headline duty is only one line on your clearing bill. The import duty on cars in Nigeria still sits alongside other charges such as the NAC levy, VAT, surcharges and port and terminal fees, and Customs valuation of the vehicle also matters. Reports from different clearing agents give different “all-in” percentages, so always ask for an itemised assessment rather than trusting a single rate you saw online.
2. EV and mass-transit duty waivers
In April 2026, the Federal Government waived import duties on electric vehicles, mass-transit buses and manufacturing machinery, per reporting on the announcement at the time. That makes EVs and buses cheaper to bring in and adds to overall import values.
3. Pent-up demand
After several years of FX shocks and high landing costs, many Nigerians delayed replacing ageing cars. With duties lower and financing options improving (see our breakdown of car loans after the CBN rate cut), some of that pent-up demand is now being released.
4. Push for alternative-fuel vehicles
In August, President Bola Tinubu announced that state governors had agreed to use CNG and electric vehicles to help reduce transport costs nationwide from October 1, 2026. Fleet operators and transport companies preparing for that shift are also importing vehicles.
What It Means for Car Buyers in Nigeria
More choice on tokunbo lots
More vehicles arriving means more stock at dealers in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. If you are shopping for tokunbo cars for sale, you should have a wider pick of models, years and trims than you did in 2025, and more room to walk away from a bad deal. For budget ideas, see our guide to the best fuel-efficient tokunbo cars under ₦10m.
Will prices actually fall?
Not automatically. A lower tariff reduces one cost, but what you pay at the lot still depends on:
- The exchange rate at the time the dealer bought and cleared the car
- Customs valuation of that specific model and year
- Port and terminal charges, demurrage and clearing agent fees
- Logistics from Lagos to other cities
- Dealer margins, which may stay high while demand is strong
Some dealers will pass savings on to compete for buyers; others will keep the margin. Compare several quotes for the same model before committing, and ask the dealer when and at what rate the car was cleared.
Watch out for port delays
The NPA itself flagged strain: average vessel turnaround time worsened to 5.3 days from 5 days a year earlier, with berth and yard capacity stretched. If you are importing a car yourself rather than buying off a lot, budget for possible delays and car clearing cost in Nigeria that can creep up with demurrage.
Parts may not keep pace
Parts and accessories imports fell about 4.4% even as car imports doubled. That is worth noting if you are buying a less common model. Before you buy, check that parts are easy to find at Ladipo or your local market, and that mechanics in your area know the car.
Where Local Assembly Fits In
Imports are not the whole market. According to Focus2move data, Nigeria’s new-vehicle sales in Q1 2026 were 8,131 units, up 119%, with Innoson leading at a 44.1% share and GAC recording the sharpest jump to a 12.1% share. Locally assembled brands often compete on after-sales support and financing. For example, Mikano Motors used a Lagos Chamber of Commerce symposium on 23 September 2026 to highlight improved financing and after-sales options.
If you have access to a car loan, a locally assembled new vehicle with a warranty can sometimes make more sense than a tokunbo import with unknown history. Price both routes before you decide.
Smart Buying Checklist for Late 2026
- Verify the duty paid. Ask for Customs papers and confirm the vehicle was properly cleared.
- Run a history check. With more stock arriving, more accident-repaired and flood cars will be mixed in. Check the VIN.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic.
- Budget beyond the sticker price: registration, number plates, car insurance in Nigeria, and first service.
- Compare with financing. A loan on a locally assembled car may cost less over time than it seems.
- Negotiate. A well-stocked market favours the buyer.
FAQ
What is the import duty on cars in Nigeria now?
According to the Customs Comptroller-General’s July 2026 statement to lawmakers, the headline duty is 5% for used vehicles and 10% for brand-new vehicles. Other levies and charges still apply on top, so your total clearing bill will be higher.
Are tokunbo car prices falling?
Some prices may ease, but it depends on the exchange rate, Customs valuation and dealer margins. There is no guaranteed drop, so compare several dealers.
Is now a good time to buy?
For buyers, a well-supplied market usually means more choice and better bargaining power. Check the full landed cost and the car’s history first.
Key takeaway: Passenger car imports hit about ₦1.18 trillion in H1 2026, helped by lower import duty, EV waivers and pent-up demand. Expect more choice at tokunbo lots, but not automatically lower prices. Negotiate hard, verify Customs papers and history, and budget for the full cost of ownership.
Figures in this article come from NBS trade data (as analysed by Nairametrics), the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigeria Customs Service and Focus2move.
Disclaimer: Vehicle prices, import duties and specs change frequently in Nigeria. Always confirm current figures with the dealer or official source before buying.
