Customs introduces safe-passage scheme for international travellers’ personal vehicles
The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced the implementation of a new framework granting safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported or transiting through the country by international travellers.
The initiative, which took effect on Wednesday, applies to non-commercial vehicles brought into Nigeria for tourism, diplomatic, business or personal purposes.
It is aimed at easing cross-border movement while strengthening Nigeria’s compliance with international trade and transit conventions.
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The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Deputy Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada.
According to the NCS, the framework is anchored on the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and supported by key international instruments governing the temporary admission and transit of vehicles.
Maiwada said the policy was designed to facilitate legitimate travel, enhance regional integration and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to trade facilitation without compromising security or regulatory oversight.
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“The Nigeria Customs Service announces the commencement of procedures for granting safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported or transiting through Nigeria by international travellers.
“The initiative is anchored on the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and relevant international conventions on temporary admission and transit of vehicles.
“Under the new arrangement, eligible international travellers are required to present valid documentation at ports of entry, including an international passport, an international driver’s licence, vehicle registration documents, insurance papers and a Carnet de Passages en Douane.
Maiwada explained that upon satisfactory inspection and verification, Customs would issue a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days, which would be electronically recorded in the service’s system.
He noted that the implementation draws legal backing from Sections 142, 143, 144 and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as international conventions including the Revised Kyoto Convention, the UN TIR Convention of 1975, the Istanbul Convention of 1990 and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment.
“The new framework covers all personal, non-commercial vehicles belonging to international travellers visiting Nigeria for tourism, diplomatic, business, or personal purposes.
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“It seeks to ease cross-border movement, strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international obligations, and reinforce the nation’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration.
“It is pertinent to note that this implementation draws legal backing from Sections 142, 143, 144, and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), UN TIR Convention (1975), Istanbul Convention (1990), and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment.
“It also aligns with WCO Guidelines on Temporary Admission and the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) regulations. The permit may be extended for an additional 30 days, subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller,” the statement read.
The Customs spokesman stressed that vehicles admitted under the scheme are allowed to move freely within Nigeria during the validity period but are strictly prohibited from being sold, leased, transferred, modified or deployed for any commercial activity.
“At the point of exit, travellers are required to present the vehicle alongside the approved Customs Temporary Admission Declaration. In cases of accident, theft or mechanical breakdown, the nearest Customs office must be notified immediately for proper documentation and guidance.
“Vehicles admitted under this regime are free to move within Nigeria but cannot be sold, leased, transferred, modified, or used for commercial purposes.
“At the point of exit, travellers should present the vehicle and the approved Customs Temporary Admission Declaration.
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“In the event of an accident, theft, or breakdown, the nearest Customs office should be notified immediately for documentation and guidance.
“The NCS, therefore, reaffirms its commitment to transparency and accountability while facilitating legitimate travel. This initiative strengthens Nigeria’s role in cross-border cooperation and ensures compliance with existing regulations to enhance security and efficiency,” the statement concluded.
Customs reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and efficient border management, noting that the safe passage initiative would strengthen cross-border cooperation while ensuring strict compliance with existing laws and regulations.
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