The short answer
A useful vehicle requirement names the make, model, acceptable year band, trim, engine size, fuel type, mileage ceiling, colour flexibility, the title brands you will accept, a budget range and currency, your destination state and city, and your deadline. Engine size and model year now affect Nigerian charges and eligibility, so they belong in the first message, not the last.
The fields, and why each one matters
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Make and model | Defines the search. Name acceptable alternatives if you have them |
| Year band | Used vehicles more than 12 years from the year of manufacture are on Nigeria's import prohibition list, and year drives the customs valuation |
| Trim | Two cars with the same name can differ widely in equipment and price |
| Engine size | Nigeria's Green Tax Surcharge commenced on 1 July 2026; BusinessDay reports it applies from 2,000cc |
| Fuel type | Petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric. Electric vehicles were reported as excluded from the green tax |
| Drivetrain | Front, rear or all-wheel drive |
| Mileage ceiling | Narrows the search to units you would actually accept |
| Colour | Say whether it's a preference or a requirement |
| Title brands accepted | Clean only, or Rebuilt or Salvage as well. This changes price and risk |
| Budget range and currency | NGN, CAD or USD; a range is more useful than a single figure |
| Destination state and city | Sets the port, clearance and inland delivery lines |
| Deadline | And whether it's fixed or flexible |
| A specific listing, if you have one | A VIN, auction lot or listing link lets us check that exact vehicle |
How to send it
Our quotation form asks for each of these in order, and you can attach photographs or documents. If you already have a listing, include its VIN or lot number. Then read what makes up the landed cost so the quotation holds no surprises, or go back to the decision guide.
Sources
External facts on this page come from these sources, each read on 15 October 2026. Regulations change; requirements for your vehicle are confirmed during quotation and clearance. This guide is not legal or financial advice.
- Import Prohibition List (Nigeria Customs Service): prohibited items — Nigerian Trade Information Portal
- Customs continues nationwide sensitisation on green tax ahead of July 1 implementation — Nigeria Customs Service (1 July 2026)
- Nigeria halves Customs duties on vehicle imports ahead of new green tax surcharge — BusinessDay (29 June 2026)
- Mandatory Vehicle Branding Program — Government of Ontario