Nigeria's Used Vehicle Imports Surge to N249.84 Billion

In the first quarter of 2026, Nigeria's imports of used vehicles reached N249.84 billion, marking a 91.92% increase compared to N113.36 billion in the same period of 2025. The United States was the primary source of these imports, contributing N217.56 billion, which represents 87.1% of the total value.

Other notable sources included the United Arab Emirates (N10.32 billion), Canada (N8.72 billion), Italy (N6.64 billion), and China (N6.60 billion). The data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates that the overall import of passenger motor cars rose by 145.94% year-on-year.

In response to the influx of substandard vehicles, the Nigerian government, led by Sen. John Enoh, introduced a mandatory certification regime through the NADDC, requiring all imported vehicles to obtain pre-shipment certification. This policy aims to enhance vehicle safety and align with the country's economic framework, ensuring that only compliant vehicles enter the Nigerian market.