EV Import Tariff Nigeria 2026: What It Really Costs

If you’ve been waiting for a sign that buying an electric car is becoming a reality in Nigeria, the Federal Government’s 2026 tariff change is the closest thing yet. Electric vehicles and public transport buses were placed on the zero import duty list, while ordinary petrol vehicles still face the heaviest duty stack in the market. This guide explains what’s changed, what you still have to pay when importing or buying an EV, and whether the savings are as big as the headlines suggest.

What exactly has changed for EV import duty in Nigeria?

According to a statement posted on 13 April 2026 and reported by the Guardian, the federal government has reduced the import duty on electric vehicles from 5% to 0% and the same for mass transit buses. The same package cut import duty on fully-built passenger vehicles from 70% to 40%, part of a move the government said was intended to reduce inflation and make transportation cheaper and cleaner.

The Nigeria Customs Service followed up with an update in early July 2026 under the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measure. According to a Channel Television report, it has ensured that EVs and public transport buses are fully exempted from import duty, import duty on new vehicles has been reduced from 20% to 10% and duty on used vehicles has been reduced from 15% to 5%. The customs update also said that the green tax surcharge started on 1 July 2026.

Quick comparison

• Electric Vehicles: Import duty is 5% to 0%.
• Fully manufactured petrol and diesel passenger cars: Import duty from 70% to 40%.
• Import Duty, New Vehicles: 20% to 10%.
• Import Duty, Used Vehicles: 15% to 5%.
• Green tax: According to BusinessDay, a 2% surcharge has been reported on large engine vehicles (2,000cc and above). EVs have no engine power, and are discounted in the report.

Why the old 5% levy on EVs was never a real problem

The previous 5% rate looked low, but it was only a fraction of the bill. A buyer of a fairly used EV still has to cover shipping, insurance, port charges, clearing agent fees and registration, all against the weak naira. The removal of tariffs helps, but the biggest costs for imported cars are driver exchange rates and purchase prices abroad. A number of analysts quoted by BusinessDay on reducing general vehicle tariffs also made this point: exchange rates, shipping and port charges are at least as important as tariff headings.

What it still costs to import an EV: A working diagram

Because the price of the naira is constantly moving, here is an easy one example Rather than a quote. Suppose a used EV is purchased overseas for the equivalent of $15,000, with roughly $2,500 added for auction fees, domestic transportation, insurance and shipping. Your CIF value (cost using customs, insurance and freight figures) will be around $17,500. At an assumed exchange rate of ₦1,500 to the dollar, that is about ₦26.25 million.

1. Import Duty: 0% in eligible EV, so nothing here.
2. Customs Duty: Some small levies and port charges may still apply. Confirm current listing with a licensed clearing agent.
3. Clearing Agent, Terminal Handling and Registration: Budget several hundred thousand naira depending on port and agent.
4. Battery Health Risks: An older EV may require battery repair or replacement later, which can run into millions of naira.

Compare with a conventional used vehicle of the same CIF value. At only 40% duty rate, the duty would add roughly ₦10.5 million to the same ₦26.25 million CIF, before duty and green tax on large engines. This gap is the real reason for the EV discount. These numbers use an assumed exchange rate and are not a price quote.

Used (tokunbo) EVs versus new EVs

Policy reports describe the exemption as generally applicable to electric vehicles, and importers point to used units from the US, Europe and Asia as the cheapest route. The usual Tokunbo precautions apply extra power to EVs:

• Always request a VIN history report to check for flood damage, a branded title and odometer rollback.
• Ask for battery health reports, not just mileage.
• Make sure the vehicle is a pure battery EV. Plug-in hybrids may be classified separately, so ask your clearing agent before paying for shipping.
• Check the charging port type, as not every connector is suitable for standard local chargers

The Tokunbo market itself is growing. Nairametrics reported that Nigeria’s car imports rose 146% to ₦1.18 trillion in the first half of 2026, which tells you that demand for imported vehicles is strong, and dealers are scrambling to meet it.

Running Costs: Where EVs Win or Lose in Nigeria

Buying cheap is only half the story. The advantage of an EV is cheap energy per kilometer, but owners in Nigeria face two practical limits

Charging at home

If you have steady power from the grid or solar and an inverter, home charging can cost much less per kilometer than petrol. If your area has long outages, you’ll either need a solar and battery setup or you can rely on public chargers, which are still limited. We covered this in more detail in our look at whether grid EVs can handle it.

Public charging

Charging stations are popping up, mostly in Lagos and Abuja, but you should plan regular routes before buying If you drive long distances between cities, a petrol car, a hybrid or a CNG conversion may still be better for you today.

Servicing and spare parts

EVs have fewer moving parts, so routine servicing is easier. The catch is that EV-trained technicians and parts are few and far between outside major cities. Ask the seller about warranty, local service support and battery replacement costs before committing.

EV, Hybrid, CNG or Petrol: Who Should Consider?

• Lagos or Abuja Commuters with Home Power: An EV is now worth a serious look.
• Ride-hailing or delivery drivers on tight margins: Compare the total cost including charging downtime with a CNG conversion or fuel efficient petrol vehicle.
• Frequent Interstate Travelers: A hybrid or efficient petrol car is safe until the charging is spread out.
• Fleet or Business Owner: Zero tariffs on EVs and electric transit buses can change your numbers, so run a proper cost model.

Weigh the risks and drawbacks honestly

• Policy may change. Tariff and levy decisions have been revised repeatedly. Make sure the schedule is current before you pay for a car.
• Exchange rate exposure. If the naira weakens between purchase and clearing, your savings shrink.
• Battery status. The battery is the most expensive part of a used EV.
• Charging access. Without reliable power at home or at work, an EV is a difficult everyday vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there really no import duties on electric cars in Nigeria? The 2026 Fiscal Policy Measure reports that electric vehicles are completely exempt from import duties. Other charges, such as levies, port fees and agent costs, may still apply.

What exemptions apply to used EVs? The reports usually describe exemptions for electric vehicles, but confirm with customs or a licensed agent how your specific vehicle is classified.

Has the tax on petrol cars also decreased? yes Duty on fully manufactured passenger vehicles has been reduced from 70% to 40%, with a 2% green tax on large engines.

Will EV prices drop immediately in Nigeria? Not necessarily. Dealer price depends on stock already purchased at exchange rate, shipping and old cost.

take root

Zero import duties make imported EVs noticeably cheaper than comparable gasoline cars on paper, but your actual cost still depends on the dollar rate, battery condition, and whether you can charge reliably. Add up the full land-cost before you buy, and don’t rely on the dealer’s headline price.

Disclaimer: Car prices, import duties and specifications in Nigeria change frequently. Always confirm current figures with the dealer, licensed clearing agent or Nigeria Customs Service before purchasing. The cost example above is a figure with estimated figures, not a quote.