 has reported that 192,870 vehicles were imported into the country in the first half of 2026.){kind=link}
192,870 Vehicles Imported in H1 2026 – NCS
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported that 192,870 vehicles were imported into the country in the first half of 2026, but says it is too early to assess the impact of the newly introduced Green Tax.
Data obtained by The Nation showed that 35,166 vehicles were imported in January, 26,354 in February, 31,893 in March, 30,808 in April, 33,259 in May, and 35,390 in June.
Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada explained that the Green Tax, which took effect on July 1, 2026, would require at least three months of data before its impact could be measured.
“It will be very difficult at the early stage to predict whether there will be a drop or increase in vehicle importation,” he said.
Maiwada clarified that the surcharge applies only to vehicles with engine capacities of 2,000cc and above, while smaller cars, including those with 1.5-litre engines, are exempt.
Under the policy, vehicles between 2,000cc and 3,999cc attract a 2% surcharge, while those with 4,000cc and above face a 4% surcharge.
He added that several categories of vehicles are exempt, including locally assembled cars, electric vehicles, and transport vehicles.
Maiwada argued that the surcharge would not necessarily increase costs, noting that duty rates on used (Tokunbo) vehicles had been reduced from 20%, 15%, and 10% to 5%, offsetting the new levy.
“Even when you add the surcharge, the amount has reduced because of the duty reduction,” he said.
The Customs Service maintained that the true effect of the Green Tax on vehicle imports would only become clear after sufficient data is gathered in the coming months.