Customs Begins Safe Passage Regime for Temporarily Imported Personal Vehicles
Author: Muhammad Bashir.
The Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, announced the commencement of a framework for granting safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported into or transiting through Nigeria by international travellers.
In a statement issued to newsmen and signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the initiative, anchored on the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, is designed to regulate the temporary admission of non commercial vehicles entering the country for tourism, diplomatic, business or personal purposes.
Under the new regime, eligible vehicles owned by international travellers will be granted entry into Nigeria under clearly defined conditions aimed at easing cross border movement, strengthening compliance with international conventions, and enhancing trade facilitation within the sub region.
The Service said the policy derives its legal backing from Sections 142, 143, 144 and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as relevant international instruments, including the Revised Kyoto Convention, the UN TIR Convention of 1975, the Istanbul Convention of 1990, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment.
“It also aligns with World Customs Organisation guidelines on temporary admission and the Carnet de Passages en Douane framework,” the statement said.
International travellers seeking to benefit from the arrangement are required to present valid documentation at the point of entry, including an international passport, international driver’s licence, vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, and a Carnet de Passages en Douane.
“Upon satisfactory inspection and verification by Customs officers, a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days will be issued and electronically recorded. Travellers may apply for a one time extension of up to 30 days, subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.”
The Service clarified that vehicles admitted under the temporary regime are permitted to 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 both the vehicle and the approved Customs Temporary Admission Declaration. In cases of accident, theft or mechanical breakdown, affected travellers are expected to promptly notify the nearest Customs office for documentation and further guidance,” it added.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the facilitation of legitimate travel, noting that the initiative strengthens Nigeria’s role in cross border cooperation while ensuring adherence to existing regulations to enhance security and operational efficiency.
