Customs records 192,870 vehicle imports in H1, says Green Tax impact still unclear

The Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed that 192,870 vehicles were imported into the country between January and June 2026, but says it is too early to judge whether the new Green Tax will curb or boost the trend.

Data obtained by The Nation shows monthly figures: 35,166 in January, 26,354 in February, 31,893 in March, 30,808 in April, 33,259 in May, and 35,390 in June.

Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada said any firm conclusion on the policy's effect would require at least three months of post-implementation data. He stressed that the numbers must be compared against the same period in the previous year before any meaningful pattern emerges.

"You need to first look at maybe the first three months and compare it with what happened in the first three months of 2026. If there is a drop, then that data will speak," he said.

Maiwada also clarified that the Green Tax does not necessarily mean higher costs across the board. In some instances, customs duties on vehicles have actually been reduced.

The surcharge applies only to vehicles with engine capacities of 2,000cc and above. Those below that threshold—including 1.5-litre engines—are exempt. A two per cent levy is placed on vehicles between 2,000cc and 3,999cc, while engines of 4,000cc and above attract a four per cent surcharge.

He added that several other categories of vehicles are also exempt from the levy, urging patience while the service monitors import patterns in the months ahead.