Landing cost, duty, and the 'too cheap' import

In 2026 Nigeria adjusted import levies — new cars down toward 10%, used ('tokunbo') cars toward 5% in the widely reported July rules — while other charges, including green-tax style measures tied to engine size, still sit in the stack. Headlines about 'duty slashed' are not a landing-cost calculator. They are marketing.

What actually makes up a landing cost

• Purchase price at auction or dealer, in the original currency.
• Freight, insurance, and the path (RoRo vs container).
• Duty, levy, VAT, and any engine-size or emissions surcharge.
• Clearing agent, terminal, and port storage if the paper is slow.
• Local transport, registration, and the first service after landing.

A seller who quotes only the US auction hammer is not quoting your price. A seller who refuses to itemise freight and duty is not quoting at all. Ask for a written breakdown. Then get a second quote from a licensed clearing agent who does not work for that seller.

RoRo, container, and who is on the bill of lading

Your name — or your contracted agent's — should appear on the bill of lading if you paid for the car. If only the exporter is listed, you have leverage problems at the port. Photograph the documents. Do not accept 'we will add you later'.

After it lands, the job is not finished

Ladipo and other markets are full of cars that cleared and then revealed a story. Do a post-landing inspection before you collect. Check for voyage damage, battery theft, and whether the car that arrived is the VIN you paid for. The journey is not over at the quayside.