Importing looks attractive until you build the full landed cost and then ask what happens in year two. Both routes are legitimate — they simply suit different buyers.
The true landed cost of an import
- Purchase price abroad
- Shipping and marine insurance
- Import duty, levy and VAT assessed on customs value
- Clearing agent fees and terminal charges
- Registration, plates and local compliance
In practice these additions commonly increase the foreign purchase price by 45–70% before the car moves.
The risks nobody prices in
- No manufacturer warranty support locally on a private import
- Unknown battery state of health — the single largest value component of the car
- Charging port and software region mismatches
- Parts sourced individually, with long lead times
- No financing: importers pay cash
Where buying locally wins
A locally supplied vehicle comes with a live manufacturer warranty, a battery warranty, a service network, available parts, and — decisively for most buyers — access to financing at 10% or 20% equity across up to 60 months. You do not need the full purchase price in cash.
Where importing can make sense
If you are paying cash, want a specific model not sold here, and have the technical support to maintain it independently, importing is a rational choice. For everyone else the local route is lower risk.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a duty waiver on electric vehicles in Nigeria?
- Policy on EV duty concessions has shifted repeatedly. Confirm the current position with a licensed clearing agent before committing to an import.
- How do I check a used EV's battery health?
- Request a battery state-of-health report from a certified technician. Never accept mileage alone as a proxy for pack condition.