Shipping cars to Nigeria will require a lengthy documentation process. With a slight discrepancy in the paperwork, your vehicle could get stuck at customs for a more prolonged period. However, with AFL, you won’t have to face that issue. Working with an international company with vast experience shipping to all West African countries such as Togo, Ghana, Benin, and Senegal can be advantageous. Till now, we’ve shipped numerous vehicles to various cities in Nigeria. So, if you need help with shipping cars to Kano, West Africa, we can also provide port-to-door services for your convenience.
Introduction to Kano, Nigeria
Kano is the capital of Kano State, situated in northern Nigeria. It is the second-largest city in the country after Lagos, with 70% of its population engaged in economic activities.
It is the commercial hub of Nigeria and the largest non-oil and gas economy, with a GDP of $12 billion. The Kano economy is driven by manufacturing, commerce, and subsistence agriculture.
Historically, Kano State has been a primary manufacturing region in West Africa even before Nigeria was incorporated into the European global commerce system. For centuries, it has been providing a trans-Saharan trade route and a major entry port for West Africa.
Popular ports for shipping cars to Kano, Nigeria
Kano is a dry dock with no seaports of its own. However, a 1225km LAKAJI (Lagos-Kano-Jibiya) economic corridor connects the eight major states of Nigeria as a trade route. The LAKAJI corridor is developed under the USAID-funded NEXTT project (Nigeria Expanded Trade and Transport) to bring together the private sectors and improve AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area).
Imports are received at Lagos and Tin Can Island ports, the two major seaports of Nigeria. Whereby they are transported along the corridor to other middle and northern states.
The recent development of Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano state has revived the glory of trans-Saharan trade. Moreover, developments are underway by NRC (Nigerian Railway Corporation) to build a standard gauge railway line connecting Lagos with Kano. This will reduce the cost of transportation and save time in moving consignments.
Method of shipping cars to Kano, Nigeria
Whether you wish to ship a single car to Kano or send other goods alongside it, there are two standard shipping methods.
RoRo shipping
RoRo shipping is the most common shipping method where you can ship a single car or a fleet of vehicles to Nigeria without any hassle. It is also the fastest and the most cost-effective transportation option.
RoRo shipping involves rolling your car on the carrier’s deck at the origin port and rolling it off as soon as it reaches Nigeria. Your vehicle needs to be functional as it needs to drive on/off the carrier to use this method. However, you can send heavy equipment or any items with this shipping option.
Container shipping
Depending on your requirements, the carrier company will offer you a 20ft or a 40ft container in container shipping. Your car will be secure inside an enclosed space. Furthermore, you can ship your personal belongings alongside it. However, this method comes with a con of being expensive. There are further two container shipping options that you can choose from:
FCL
If your vehicle is a luxury or vintage car, the Full Container Load method is the best choice. The whole container will be yours to use, and you can send as many items as will fit inside the space. This shipping option is expensive as you’ll have to pay for the whole container, but it might be worth it for your luxury car.
LCL
In Less than Container Load shipping, you can also send goods alongside your vehicle. It involves sharing the container with other people’s belongings. However, as you’ll only pay for the shared space, you can only ship several goods that will only occupy the paid space. You’ll also have to wait for your shipment to reach Nigeria, as the carrier will only start its journey after the container is filled.
Cost of shipping cars to Kano, Nigeria
The cost of shipping cars to Kano, West Africa, depends on multiple factors such as distance between ports, shipping methods, and other transport costs. The average shipping cost from US to Lagos port ranges from $2700 to $3400. If you choose the port to door service, then from Lagos to Kano, it will take around $3000 further to transport your vehicle to the city by truck. However, if you select RoRo shipping, you can drive the car off the port yourself.
Customs & duties: Kano, Nigeria
Nigerian Customs are notorious for delaying the customs clearance process. Sometimes the delay is caused by inspections for various imported vehicles and goods.
Besides, there are specific requirements to consider if you want to clear the customs process quickly. Any discrepancy in the paperwork will incur demurrage charges on your vehicle, or it might remain stuck at the port for a long time. So, it is necessary to know about the current taxes and duties regarding shipping cars to Kano, West Africa.
The customs fee for shipping a car to Nigeria for both new and used cars is 20%, with a 15% levy on used vehicles and 20% on new cars. If you are shipping some specific items alongside your vehicle and don’t know the regulations, contact the Nigerian Embassy. Also, check with your shipping company to learn more.
Requirements for shipping cars to Kano, Nigeria
Before shipping cars to Kano, West Africa, check your vehicle for its roadworthiness as Nigerian customs laws are very strict about inspections. In addition, take your vehicle to a mechanic for a thorough examination and take care to leave your gas tank only a quarter full. Also, check the restrictions regarding the import of cars in Nigeria, and be sure to fill in the current information in your paperwork.
Restrictions to shipping cars to Kano, Nigeria
There are certain restrictions on importing a used vehicle into Nigeria due to the risk of smuggling. So you need to have prior knowledge about the rules and regulations of the country. According to the Nigerian Customs laws, you cannot import a left-handed vehicle into the country. Moreover, vehicles older than 12 years are also not allowed to enter the country.
Documentation
To avoid delay at Nigerian customs, you would need paperwork with the current information about your vehicle or any items you want to ship. The standard documents required to clear customs are mentioned below:
- Form M for new vehicles prior to shipping,
- Nigerian driving license,
- Marine & auto insurance document,
- Nigerian ID and address,
- Shipping order,
- Bill of sale or original invoice.
- Title of ownership with no Liens,
- Power of attorney,
- Bill of Lading,
- Consignee form,
- Emission certificate,
- Proof of payment for VAT,
- Vehicle details like VIN & chassis no, make & model.
Factors that impact the cost of shipping cars to Kano, Nigeria
Multiple factors can influence the cost of shipping cars to Kano, West Africa. They may also cause a shipment delay. So, it is advisable to keep an extra amount in case it comes in handy. These factors are:
Mode of shipment
The method you’ll choose to ship your car to Nigeria can affect the shipping cost. If you decide on RoRo shipping, it will cost you less. On the other hand, container shipping will cost you more as you’ll have to pay for the container and the loading process.
Port-to-door
If you take extra logistics services such as hiring a transport company to pick up your car from Lagos and transport it to Kano, it will incur additional logistics costs. However, AFL can arrange transportation services for your vehicle so that you won’t face any costly delays.
Type of vehicle
If you are shipping a heavy vehicle such as an SUV or a large fleet of cars, it will increase shipping costs. Furthermore, if you are shipping heavy equipment or other personal belongings alongside your vehicle, it can impact the shipping price.
Why choose AFL for shipping cars to Kano, Nigeria?
Shipping cars to Kano, West Africa, can be a real hassle as you’ll find the road and traffic conditions around Kano really bad. Moreover, congestions and frequent check posts can further delay your shipment. Various truckers are also known to cause a delay, and there is no check and balance as you cannot monitor your cargo.
The Nigerian Customs are also notorious for delaying the clearance process by ten days on an average. In this scenario, you need the help of a professional shipping company like AFL, which is familiar with the Nigerian Customs rules and can handle your documentation, clearance, and transport processes. Here are the services offered by our company.
NVOCC services
With AFL being an NVOCC shipping company, you no longer have to worry about possible shipping delays or the hefty documentation process. Our reliable shipping partners worldwide specialize in shipping to all West African countries such as Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Senegal. Whether you are shipping a vehicle or heavy equipment, we will book your shipment with the best carrier at affordable rates. So rest assured that your shipment will reach Nigeria safely and on time.
Door-to-port services
Before shipping cars to Kano, West Africa, you’ll have to get them to the port. Whether it’s one vehicle or a fleet of cars, our transport partners will pick them up from your house to drop them at the port. Our esteemed shipping partners will ship them further on. Moreover, if you require your car to be transported to Kano from the destination port, we will also arrange port-to-door services for your convenience.
Processing services
Shipping a car or goods to Nigeria will require lengthy paperwork as the country’s laws are stringent regarding vehicle shipment. Filling out the forms with the current information is a must. But the trouble is that Nigerian custom regulations are susceptible to change. However, our experts will help you gather and submit the required documentation so there won’t be any delay at customs clearance.
FAQs
How much time is required for shipping cars to Kano, Nigeria?
Excluding the external factors that can delay the shipment, it will take at least 2 to 4 weeks to reach the principal port of Nigeria. Further on, it will take 3-12 days for your car to get to Kano, depending on the traffic congestion.
Can I ship a car to Kano, West Africa, if I am not present in the US?
Yes, you can ship all kinds of trucks, cars, and buses to Kano if you’re not living in the US. Discuss your shipping needs with a reliable shipping company so they can offer you a comprehensive solution. They will help you choose a suitable shipping method, fill in your paperwork, and submit it to the US and Nigerian customs.
Conclusion
Shipping cars to Kano, West Africa, can be a hassle as it requires familiarity with the custom process of Nigeria. Besides, Kano is a landlocked area. So you may need further assistance in transporting your vehicle from the major ports of Nigeria to Kano. Without the help of experienced and reliable shipping, you may face an increase in shipping costs and possible delays. But AFL’s agents will handle all your transportation, customs, and shipping process in Nigeria without unnecessary delay.