Abuja, Jan. 7, 2026 (NAN) — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a framework to grant safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported or transiting through Nigeria by international travelers, the agency announced on Wednesday.
The announcement was made by Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, through a statement issued by the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, on all verified social media platforms of the service.
“This initiative is designed to ease cross-border movement, reinforce Nigeria’s compliance with international obligations, and strengthen trade facilitation and regional integration,” Maiwada said.
Legal Backing and International Compliance
The NCS clarified that the new framework is backed by Sections 142, 143, 144, and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023, and is aligned with international conventions and protocols, including:
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Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC)
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UN TIR Convention (1975)
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Istanbul Convention (1990)
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ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment
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World Customs Organization (WCO) Guidelines on Temporary Admission
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Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) regulations
Eligibility and Process
The framework covers all personal, non-commercial vehicles belonging to international travelers, whether visiting Nigeria for tourism, diplomatic, business, or personal purposes.
Travelers are required to present:
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Valid international passport
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International driver’s license
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Vehicle registration documents
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Insurance papers
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CPD (Carnet de Passages en Douane)
Upon verification, the NCS will issue a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days, electronically recorded in the Customs system. Travelers may also apply for a 30-day extension subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.
Conditions and Compliance
Vehicles admitted under the program are free to move across Nigeria, but cannot be sold, leased, transferred, modified, or used for commercial purposes.
At exit, travelers must present both the vehicle and the approved Customs Temporary Admission Declaration. In the event of an accident, theft, or breakdown, the nearest Customs office must be notified immediately for documentation and guidance.
“The initiative underscores NCS’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and legitimate facilitation of travel, while enhancing Nigeria’s role in cross-border cooperation and regional integration,” Maiwada said.
Ifeoluwa Okonkwo ✔
Ifeoluwa Okonkwo is a dedicated News Content Editor at Naija247news, bringing over five years of experience in news writing and editorial work. A graduate of the University of Abia State, Ifeoluwa specializes in curating and refining impactful news stories that resonate with readers. Her expertise lies in delivering accurate, timely, and engaging content across diverse topics, contributing to the platform’s reputation for excellence in journalism. Through her leadership, she ensures high editorial standards and an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity.
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