Photo: Wikimedia Commons — container shipping is the backbone of car imports to Nigeria.
Importing a car from China to Nigeria can save you a significant amount of money — if you do it the right way. In this complete 2026 guide, we walk you through every step, from choosing the right vehicle to clearing it at the Lagos ports.
China has become one of the world's largest vehicle producers, and brands like Jetour, BYD, Chery and GAC now offer modern SUVs and sedans at prices that undercut many European and Japanese rivals. When you import directly, you avoid local dealer markups, which is why more Nigerians are choosing to buy cars from China.
Key advantages include:
The most important step is deciding what you want. Do not shop for "any car" — shop for a specific make, model, year, trim and budget. Knowing the exact specification helps your sourcing agent find a genuine unit and helps you compare prices fairly.
Always source through a dealer you can verify. A reputable sourcing company like RETs Global Network has trusted partners in China who provide genuine vehicles with factory warranty where applicable. Before you pay, you should receive:
Never skip the inspection. A genuine supplier will let you (or your agent) inspect the vehicle before it leaves China. This protects you from hidden damage and odometer tampering — two of the most common import problems.
Vehicles from China to Nigeria are usually shipped to Apapa Port or Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. You can ship in a container or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo). Your sourcing agent will arrange the freight and share the vessel and estimated arrival date with you.
Shipping times from China to Lagos typically range from 25 to 45 days, depending on the route and port.
Once the vessel arrives, the vehicle must be cleared by the Nigerian Customs Service. Clearing involves paying import duties and levies calculated on the vehicle's value and engine size. This is where many first-time importers struggle — the paperwork is detailed and errors are costly.
A reliable import partner handles clearing for you, so you are not stuck at the port for weeks.
After clearing, the vehicle is ready for collection or delivery. Services like our Premium Doorstep Service deliver the car to your home or office in Lagos, so the whole process is stress-free.
The total cost includes the vehicle price, freight, insurance, customs duties and clearing fees. As a rule of thumb, budget for the purchase price plus 30% to 60% on top for shipping and clearing, depending on the vehicle's value and engine size.
Importing a car from China to Lagos is simple when you have the right partner. At RETs Global Network, we source genuine vehicles from China and overseas, inspect them before shipment, and handle shipping, clearing and doorstep delivery in Lagos. Tell us the exact car you want, and we will do the rest.
Tell us the exact specification you want — we will source it, inspect it before shipment, and deliver to your doorstep in Lagos.
Talk to us
Shipping & ClearingHow long does it take to ship a car to Lagos, and what does it cost? We explain RoRo vs container shipping, timelines from China, customs clearing and doorstep delivery.
Market InsightsTokunbo or brand new? We compare price, condition, import costs, running costs and resale value to help you choose the right imported car in Nigeria.
