Nigeria’s importation of passenger motor cars rose by 145.94% year-on-year to ₦552.34 billion in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The figure represents a major increase from the ₦224.58 billion recorded in the same period of 2025.
The increase shows that demand for imported vehicles remains strong despite the high cost of buying and maintaining cars in Nigeria. Foreign exchange costs, customs duties, shipping charges and other expenses have continued to make imported vehicles more expensive for consumers and businesses.
Used vehicles also recorded significant growth during the period. Nigeria imported ₦249.84 billion worth of used vehicles with diesel or semi-diesel engines above 2,500cc in the first quarter of 2026. This was a 91.92% increase from the ₦113.36 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2025.
The United States remained the largest source of used vehicles imported into Nigeria. Vehicles worth ₦217.56 billion came from the US during the quarter, accounting for about 87% of the total used-vehicle imports in the category.
The United Arab Emirates, Canada, Italy and China were among the other major sources.
The rise in vehicle imports comes despite the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen regulation of the automobile import market. Authorities have introduced measures aimed at preventing substandard and unsafe vehicles from entering the country.
The government has also introduced changes to customs duties and a Green Tax Surcharge on certain motor vehicles, particularly those with engine capacities of 2,000cc and above.
Meanwhile, activity at Nigeria’s ports has also increased. The Nigerian Ports Authority reported that vehicle imports through Nigerian ports rose 18.3% to 44,147 units in Q2 2026, compared with 37,306 units a year earlier.
The increase in vehicle imports could benefit dealers, logistics companies, shipping businesses and other players in the automobile value chain. However, it also means Nigeria continues to spend significant amounts on imported vehicles rather than producing more cars locally.
