‎Cheaper Chinese Cars Gain Ground in Nigeria as Imports Surge

‎Cheaper Chinese Cars Gain Ground in Nigeria as Imports Surge
‎‎Some of the leading Chinese brands gaining traction in Nigeria include BYD, Chery, and Geely
‎Shipping data from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) showed sustained inflow of vehicles through Lagos ports

‎Chinese automobile manufacturers are intensifying efforts to capture 20 per cent of Nigeria’s vehicle market by 2026, leveraging the influx of cheaper and more affordable models into the country.

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‎Eko Hot Blog reports that the renewed push comes as the Federal Government targets the conversion of one million vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by 2027, a move expected to reshape demand patterns in the auto industry.

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‎Industry sources revealed that the rise in vehicle imports in 2025 was largely driven by the introduction of new Chinese vehicles by TIM Motors, aimed at replacing used car imports from Europe and the United States with brand-new alternatives from China.

‎Some of the leading Chinese brands gaining traction in Nigeria include BYD, Chery, and Geely. The market is projected to expand steadily between 2025 and 2030, supported by increased local assembly initiatives for select brands.

‎Under the 2026 tariff regime, vehicle importers will continue to pay 20 per cent import duty, 15 per cent National Automotive Council (NAC) levy, 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT), and an Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) ranging from two to four per cent depending on engine capacity.

‎According to TIM Motors, demand for Chinese-manufactured vehicles surged in late 2025, competing strongly with traditional US and European imports. Despite concerns about the potential impact on local assembly, Carloha Nigeria has strengthened its footprint as the official distributor of Chery automobiles in Nigeria, promoting models such as the Tiggo 8 Pro.

‎Meanwhile, Nigeria’s used car market is projected to hit $1.27 billion in 2026, with sedans maintaining a dominant 44 per cent market share, while SUVs and MPVs are expected to record rapid growth.

‎Shipping data from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) showed sustained inflow of vehicles through Lagos ports. In January 2026 alone, about 1,600 vehicles were discharged at roll-on roll-off (RoRo) terminals despite congestion challenges.

‎Cheaper Chinese Cars Gain Ground in Nigeria as Imports Surge

‎At Port and Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) in Tin Can Island Port, over 1,000 units of used vehicles were received from multiple vessels. Similarly, Five Star Logistics transferred 1,200 vehicles to bonded terminals due to space constraints.

‎In December 2025, five vessels discharged 2,250 units of used vehicles, while November and October also recorded strong volumes, reflecting a rebound in passenger car imports.

‎To ease congestion and reduce vessel waiting time, Five Star Logistics announced plans to move 600 vehicles each to Classic 3 Bonded Terminal and Clarion Bonded Terminal.

The management urged clearing agents to confirm the terminal location of their vehicles before commencing customs documentation and to submit step-down letters to the Customer Care Desk ahead of vessel arrival.

‎The sustained inflow of both new Chinese vehicles and used imports underscores a shifting landscape in Nigeria’s automotive sector, as affordability, fuel alternatives, and evolving consumer preferences reshape market dynamics.