Back in the days, a large number of cars on Nigerian roads were imported from Europe. However, the tide has changed gradually and "American spec" has become today's cliche. Without an iota of doubt, most of our cars now come from USA.

Today, we are bringing you the top 5 countries Nigerians source cars from as well as the estimated cost of shipping cars from those countries.



United States of America (USA)

The number of cars imported from USA is more than all other countries combined. From Nigerian ports statistics, it is estimated to be about 75% of total car imports. There are several reasons we get lots of imports from here. Some of these reasons are: Availability of varieties, ease of importing cars from USA even if you reside in Nigeria as well as our love for cheap deals from USA car auctions. Several car dealers also buy their cars from USA online auctions. Another reason for this influx is the fact that cars are usually sent home by the large number of Nigerians who reside there.

Cost of shipping from US ports to Nigeria is $750, however, the cost is $950 from Galveston port in Texas.  Trucking cost depends on how far the car is from the closest US port of exit. The least I've paid for trucking is $100 while the max I've paid is $1,495 from Sacramento, California.


Germany

If you are hell-bent on buying a Peugeot or a Toyota Avensis from USA, the Lord is your strength. However, these cars are found in abundance in Germany and other European countries. Anytime you see a fully loaded car coming out of the Nigerian ports, that's an easy giveaway that that car is just landing from Europe. Some people buy these cars especially the older models just to use them as a box to convey goods to Nigeria.

Shipping cost from Germany to Lagos is also about €340 (Euros).





Belgium

Belgium is home of Antwerp Seaport which is the second busiest seaport in Europe after Rotterdam in Netherlands. Several Nigerian bound cars are also trucked to this port from neighbouring European countries before being loaded on a ship.

Shipping cost from Belgium to Lagos is €325 for cars , €425 for small vans and €750 for big vans.  You will also pay €65 (Euros) to courier the documents of the vehicle.




Canada

Some cars are cheaper in Canada compared to USA but cost of shipping to Nigeria from Canada can be higher. People also take advantage of the better exchange rate of about N280/Canadian Dollar as against the N360/US Dollar. We expect an increase in the rate cars that will be heading to Nigeria from Canada with the current rate at which Nigerians are relocating to Canada through Express Entry.

One year ago, I got a cheap 2005 Toyota Echo from Copart auction in Halifax. The price was $306 USD. I trucked it to the port for $160 USD and paid $1,350 USD ocean freight to Nigeria. Kindly tell us in the comment section if you have a shipping company that offers lower rates.




United Arab Emirates (UAE)

UAE is home to many beautiful and luxury automobiles. Some popular vehicles that are imported from UAE are: Prado, Land Cruiser, Lexus LX570, Pajero, Hilux, Hiace etc.. because some of these vehicles are scarce or non-existent in USA.

Cost of shipping a car from UAE to Nigeria is about $750. Some companies also ship and clear your car through Nigeria Customs at a pre-determined rate. In this case, you'll just pick your car at their warehouse in Lagos.





Note that any car you are buying may have been tampered with e.g mileage roll-back, repaired accident, flooded cars etc. This is why you are advised to do a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check to determine the history of the car you are about to buy.

Don't forget to like, rate, share and tell us the country your car came from. For some of us, it might be China, United Kingdom, South Africa, Japan etc.