Nigeria’s Vehicle Imports Surge by Nearly 100% in 2025, Signaling Renewed Confidence in the Automotive Market

Nigeria’s automotive import market has experienced a remarkable rebound in the first half of 2025, with vehicle imports nearly doubling compared to the same period last year. The surge reflects renewed business confidence driven by foreign exchange stability, Central Bank reforms, and revised customs valuation policies that have made vehicle clearance more affordable and predictable.

Exclusive data from two of the country’s busiest terminals revealed that total vehicle imports rose by almost 100% between January and June 2025.

Imports rose from approximately 18,000 vehicles in the first half of 2024 to more than 34,000 units this year. Similarly, Five Star Logistics Terminal confirmed over 37,000 imported vehicles by July 2025, exceeding its full-year total for 2024.

Industry officials attribute this dramatic growth to the stabilisation of the naira-dollar exchange rate, which has enabled importers to plan and trade with confidence. The naira’s appreciation to ₦1,500 per US dollar in recent weeks has further strengthened purchasing power and predictability for importers.

Stakeholders also credit recent changes in customs duty assessments, including the adoption of the 846 valuation method, which now accounts for vehicle depreciation, mileage, and condition when determining import duties. This has made the process fairer and reduced the overall cost of vehicle clearance.

The surge in vehicle imports and growing trade confidence underscore the vital role of the West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS) as the region’s leading platform for automotive trade and innovation. WAAS brings together international manufacturers, distributors, and service providers seeking to engage with West Africa’s expanding automotive market.

With Nigeria now emerging as one of Africa’s fastest-recovering automotive economies, WAAS 2026 will provide a key opportunity for stakeholders to explore partnerships, secure distributorships, and showcase technologies that meet the region’s evolving mobility and import demands.

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