Nigeria
Driving in Nigeria: licences, car rental and road rules
If you have a valid foreign licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can rent a car in Nigeria; otherwise obtain a Nigerian licence – check local rules before you go.
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GuideNigeria
Key facts
- Foreign licence validitycheck
- Accepted for 3 months with IDP
- Minimum driving agecheck
- 18 years (some agencies 21)
- Required insurancecheck
- Third‑party liability mandatory; rental includes basic coverage
- Road side assistancecheck
- Limited; arrange through rental company
Quick answer
Bring your home‑country licence plus an International Driving Permit; you can rent a car for daily trips in Lagos, Abuja or other cities. If you plan to stay longer than three months, apply for a Nigerian licence at the Federal Road Safety Corps.
How to rent a car
Major agencies (Avis, Hertz, local firms) operate at Murtala Muhammed International (LOS) and in city centres. Book online to lock rates; most require a credit card, passport and IDP.
Pick‑up: inspect the vehicle, note any damage, and confirm insurance coverage. Ask for a spare tyre and a basic first‑aid kit – many rentals omit these.
Drop‑off: return to the agreed location, refuel to the level noted in the contract, and keep the receipt for any fuel surcharge.
- Typical daily rate: US$45–80 for a compact, US$80–150 for an SUV (check).
- Fuel: petrol sold at ₦250–300 per litre (≈ US$0.45).
- Road tolls: few, but some bridges (e.g., Third Mainland Bridge) charge ₦500–1,000.
Key driving rules
Drive on the right; overtake on the left. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built‑up areas, 80 km/h on major roads, 120 km/h on highways unless signs say otherwise.
Seat‑belt use is mandatory for driver and front‑passenger; rear‑seat belts are required on newer vehicles.
Alcohol limit: 0.05 % BAC (≈ 0.25 g/L). Police conduct random breath tests, especially after night‑time events.
Typical costs (2026 estimate)
| Item | Cost (NGN) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Compact car rental per day | ₦30,000 | ≈ US$55 |
| SUV rental per day | ₦55,000 | ≈ US$100 |
| International Driving Permit | ₦5,000 | ≈ US$9 |
| Petrol per litre | ₦280 | ≈ US$0.50 |
| Bridge toll (Third Mainland) | ₦800 | ≈ US$1.5 |
Prices vary by season and agency; confirm before booking.
Practical notes
Traffic in Lagos can be severe; allow extra travel time, especially during rush hour (07:00–10:00, 16:00–19:00).
Road conditions outside major cities range from paved highways to unpaved sections; avoid night travel on remote roads.
Carry a spare tyre, jack and basic tools – roadside assistance is scarce.
Use GPS (Google Maps, Waze) but verify with local advice; some routes are restricted for security reasons.
Questions people ask
What should I know about driving and car rental in Nigeria?
You need a valid foreign licence plus an International Driving Permit for up to three months; after that obtain a Nigerian licence. Book rentals with a credit card and check insurance.
How much does it cost?
A compact car costs about US$55 / day, an SUV US$100 / day; fuel is roughly US$0.50 per litre. Add IDP fees and occasional tolls.
When should I plan for it?
Book the rental at least a week before arrival, especially for peak travel periods (December‑January, July‑August). Allow extra time for traffic in Lagos and for road checks in the north.
Do I need insurance?
Third‑party liability is mandatory by law and is included in most rental contracts; consider supplemental collision damage waiver for peace of mind.
Are there any road safety tips?
Drive on the right, wear seat‑belts, avoid night travel on rural roads, keep windows up in traffic, and always carry a spare tyre and basic first‑aid kit.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
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