Cost of Clearing Cars in Nigeria 2025 - Full Guide (Including Accidented & From Cotonou)

If you plan to buy a car in 2025, either from abroad, from Cotonou, or even an accidented car, understanding the cost of clearing cars in Nigeria in 2025 is one of the most important things to know.

Whether you’re bringing in a brand-new car, a fairly used (Tokunbo) car, or an accidented car, the clearing process is mandatory before you can legally drive it in Nigeria. Unfortunately, many buyers underestimate these costs, which often leads to unexpected expenses or even seizures by Customs.

In this full guide, we explain everything you need to know about clearing cars in Nigeria this year. You’ll learn:

How much it costs to clear popular cars like Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.
The step-by-step clearing process, whether at Lagos ports, Seme border, or Cotonou.
How accidented or salvage cars are cleared differently.
Common mistakes to avoid when clearing your car.
A detailed summary table of estimated clearing costs by brand and model.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to budget properly and avoid problems with Nigerian Customs.

Why is Car Clearing Important in Nigeria?

Every imported car, no matter where it comes from, must pass through the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) for clearance. This ensures:

The government collects appropriate import duties and levies.
The car meets Nigerian road and environmental standards.
The car is properly documented and registered in your name.

Without proper clearance, you risk your car being impounded, fined, or even auctioned.

What Determines the Cost of Clearing Cars in Nigeria?

The cost of clearing cars in Nigeria is not fixed because it depends on several factors:

Car brand and model – luxury cars attract higher fees.
Year of manufacture – newer cars have higher assessed values.
Engine capacity (CC) – bigger engines are more expensive to clear.
Condition – accidented or salvage cars may get lower duty rates.
Exchange rates – Customs calculates duties in dollars, then converts to naira.
Port of entry – Lagos ports, Seme border, or through Cotonou.

On average, clearing a standard sedan costs between ₦800,000 – ₦2,500,000, while SUVs and luxury vehicles can go up to ₦7,000,000 or more.

How to Clear a Car in Nigeria: Step-by-Step Process

Here’s how the car clearing process works in Nigeria in 2025:

Step 1: Buy the Car

Choose your car either in the US, Europe, Asia, or in Cotonou. Ensure you get the Bill of Lading, purchase invoice, and other necessary documents.

Step 2: Hire a Licensed Clearing Agent

Engage a reliable agent who is experienced with Nigerian Customs procedures.

Step 3: Pay Import Duty and Levies

Your agent will calculate duties and levies based on the car’s assessed value and guide you on making payments.

Step 4: Customs Inspection

The car is physically inspected by Customs officials to ensure it matches the paperwork.

Step 5: Obtain Release Note

Once duties are paid and inspection is completed, Customs issues a release note, and you can take possession of your car.

Step 6: Register Your Car

After clearance, you must register the car with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to get a Nigerian license plate.

Clearing Accidented Cars in Nigeria

Many Nigerians buy accidented cars because they are cheaper to purchase and sometimes attract lower clearing fees.

Why are accidented cars cheaper to clear?

Because the Customs-assessed value of the car is lower, duty is calculated based on the car’s reduced market value.

Documents you need for clearing accidented cars:

Purchase invoice clearly stating it’s accidented.
Pictures showing the extent of damage.
Standard shipping documents.

For a full guide and detailed estimates, read:
➡️ Cost of Clearing Accidented Cars in Nigeria 2025: All You Need to Know

Clearing Cars from Cotonou to Nigeria

Many Nigerians still prefer to import their cars through Cotonou (Benin Republic) because:

Cars are sometimes cheaper in Cotonou.
The car market there is closer and better stocked.
Delivery time is faster.

The process and fees are slightly different if you’re clearing from Cotonou.
For full details, see:
➡️ Cost of Clearing Cars from Cotonou to Nigeria 2025 with Step-by-Step Guide

Factors That Increase Clearing Costs

Be aware of these factors that can push your clearing costs higher:

Buying a car with a very large engine (above 3.0L).
Choosing luxury brands like Mercedes, BMW, or Lexus.
High exchange rates.
Over-aged vehicles (more than 15 years old) often attract penalties.

Pro Tips for Reducing Car Clearing Costs

Hire a competent, licensed clearing agent to avoid errors.
Buy cars with smaller engine sizes if possible.
Avoid over-aged vehicles, as they attract higher penalties.
Time your purchase when exchange rates are more favourable.
Document accident damage clearly if you are buying a salvage car.

FAQs About Car Clearing in Nigeria

How long does it take to clear a car in Nigeria?

Usually 5–10 working days if all paperwork is in order.

Do I have to clear the car myself?

No, but you should supervise or hire a trusted clearing agent.

Can I pay Customs fees in instalments?

No. All duties and levies must be paid in full before the car is released.

Are there cars you cannot clear in Nigeria?

Yes. Cars older than 15 years or those flagged as stolen cannot be cleared.

Final Thoughts on the Cost of Clearing Cars in Nigeria 2025

Buying a car is exciting, but you must also plan for the clearing costs and process. Whether you’re buying a car abroad, from Cotonou, or even an accidented car, proper clearance is mandatory.

By understanding the costs, hiring a reliable agent, and preparing the right documents, you can save money and avoid unnecessary stress.

If you’re interested in learning more about clearing costs for specific brands and situations, check out these related guides:

Estimated Clearing Costs for Popular Car Brands in Nigeria 2025

Below is a summary of estimated clearing costs for common car brands and models based on data from agents and importers.

Car Brand & Model	Year Range	Estimated Clearing Cost (₦)
Toyota Corolla	2010–2020	800,000 – 1,500,000
Toyota Camry	2010–2020	900,000 – 1,700,000
Lexus RX350	2010–2020	2,500,000 – 4,500,000
Lexus ES	2010–2020	2,000,000 – 4,000,000
Lexus GX	2010–2020	3,500,000 – 6,000,000
Honda Accord	2010–2020	850,000 – 1,600,000
Honda CR-V	2010–2020	1,000,000 – 1,800,000
Mercedes-Benz C-Class	2010–2020	2,000,000 – 3,500,000
Mercedes-Benz E-Class	2010–2020	2,500,000 – 4,500,000
Mercedes-Benz GLE	2010–2020	4,000,000 – 7,000,000
BMW 3-Series	2010–2020	1,800,000 – 3,000,000
BMW 5-Series	2010–2020	2,500,000 – 4,500,000
BMW X5	2010–2020	3,500,000 – 6,000,000

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