Car Shipping from UK to Nigeria — RoRo & Container

The two RoRo gateways into Nigeria are Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) and the PTML terminal at Lagos Port (Apapa). Both are operated by major lines including Grimaldi, Sallaum and NileDutch, with weekly direct sailings from Southampton and fortnightly calls at Sheerness. For container traffic, vessels load at Felixstowe, Southampton or Tilbury and discharge at Apapa Container Terminal or Tin Can Island Container Terminal (TICT).

Port Harcourt (Onne) is the secondary gateway and is favoured by importers in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and the south-east, since onward road haulage from Lagos to Aba or Onitsha adds cost and risk. Onne handles both RoRo and container vessels but on a less frequent schedule — typically every two to three weeks.

RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) is the cheapest and fastest option for a single running vehicle. The car is driven onto the vessel at Southampton, parked on a dedicated deck, lashed down, and driven off in Lagos. Transit is typically 21–28 days port-to-port. RoRo is ideal for standard saloons, SUVs and pickups in working condition.

Container shipping is the right choice for high-value cars, non-runners, classic vehicles, or any shipment that includes personal effects. A 20ft container takes one car; a 40ft takes two cars side-by-side, or four to six cars with R-Rak racking. Container shipping protects the vehicle from weather, port handling and pilferage, and it allows you to load household goods inside the car and around it (subject to declaration).

Shared container (LCL or part-load) is a middle option: you pay per car-slot in a 40ft container without booking the whole box. It is well-priced for one car and offers the security of container shipping at near-RoRo prices, but consolidation can add 7–14 days to the schedule.

Every vehicle exported from the UK to Nigeria must clear HMRC export formalities and then be declared to Nigerian Customs on arrival. On the UK side we need the original V5C log book (we endorse and submit the export slip on your behalf), a copy of your passport or photographic ID, and proof of purchase if the vehicle is in your name for less than 30 days.

On the Nigerian side, your clearing agent will need the bill of lading, original V5C (or certified copy), commercial/proforma invoice, valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) for the importer, and a Form M for commercial imports. The Nigerian Customs Service uses VIN-based valuation, so the duty figure is largely outside the importer's control — but a well-prepared file speeds up release.

Nigeria currently applies an import duty of 20% plus a 15% levy on most used vehicles, calculated on the CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value as assessed by the Nigerian Customs Service. VAT of 7.5% is then added on top of the duty-paid value. Additional charges include ETLS (0.5%), CISS (1%), surcharge (7% of duty), and terminal handling, demurrage and clearing agent fees.

As a rule of thumb, total destination charges for a mid-size saloon in Lagos run between ₦1.8m–₦3.5m depending on the car's assessed value. Higher-value SUVs (Lexus RX, Mercedes GLE, Range Rover) can attract destination costs of ₦4m–₦8m+. Always factor destination clearance into your total landed cost — the freight quote from the UK is only the first leg.

Direct RoRo Southampton → Lagos is typically 21 days port-to-port, with a further 7–14 days for customs clearance, port release and delivery to your final address. Container shipping adds container packing time at the UK warehouse (2–5 days) and consolidation if you are sharing, so realistic door-to-door is 28–45 days.

Port Harcourt sailings call less frequently, so plan for an additional 7–10 days versus the equivalent Lagos route. Avoid booking around major Nigerian public holidays (Independence Day, Eid, Christmas/New Year) as port operations slow down and demurrage costs can spike.

Always insist on a written, itemised quote that separates UK-side freight from destination charges — many cheap freight quotes hide destination costs that surface only when the car has already sailed. Take date-stamped photos of the car at collection and email them to your clearing agent so any port damage can be evidenced for insurance.

Use a registered Nigerian clearing agent with a valid CAC certificate; agents at the port gate may quote lower but rarely deliver on time. Finally, do not ship a car whose V5C is still in the dealer's name — clearance will be flagged for ownership verification and demurrage will mount up while the paperwork is reissued.