Although driving in Nigeria can be an exciting experience, you should always ensure you have the necessary paperwork before you take to the wheel. If you are pulled over by the police or other authorities and don’t have the required paperwork, your intended enjoyable trip—whether you are driving alone or with other passengers—can end unexpectedly. Not only does having the right documentation guarantee your safety and legal compliance, but it also shields you from any potential legal problems
In today’s article, we will discuss the essential documents you must possess before embarking on any trip with your vehicle in Nigeria
Driver’s License
This is by far the most essential of all documents you must have when operating a vehicle on Nigerian roads. It’s nearly a given that the first thing the authorities would request when you are pulled over for driving in Nigeria is your license, before any other documentation. The driver’s license is a legal authorization from the relevant authorities which indicates you have passed the necessary tests and training required to operate a vehicle safely. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is the appropriate body responsible for issuing a driving license in Nigeria. You run the risk of paying fines, having your car impounded, or even going to jail if you are driving a vehicle in Nigeria without a driver’s license or permit.
Customs Duty
This paper has put numerous Nigerian drivers in hot water and occasionally led to their vehicles being repossessed. Customs duties are taxes or levies paid to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on goods or commodities imported into the country.
As the great majority of cars on Nigerian roads were imported, it goes without saying that if your car was imported into Nigeria at any stage, customs duties would apply. It’s never enjoyable to get pulled over by customs officers, especially if you driving without a Customs duty document or fake paperwork.
It would help if you always made sure the customs duty documents the vendor gives you are genuine before purchasing used cars in Nigeria. Avoid taking sellers at their word when they repeatedly try to reassure you that they paid the duty on the vehicle. Ensure you verify the authenticity of the customs duty documents given to you by the seller. In the event that your paid-for customs document gets lost, you should make an attempt to get it reprinted from the Customs database.
Verify the authenticity & retrieve Lost
Customs Duty Papers
On the other hand, your vehicle can be exempt from customs duty if it was purchased brand new within Nigeria, manufactured or brought in as a Complete Knock-Down (CKD) and assembled in Nigeria.
Vehicle Registration Document
Before using any kind of vehicle in Nigeria, you also need to acquire this important paperwork. Your registration document demonstrates that the car you’re driving is legally permitted to be driven on public roads and is registered with the relevant authorities. It contains information such as the vehicle’s registration number, make, model, and owner’s details. It contains information about the vehicle owner, make, model, and registration number of the car.
It could spell trouble for you as an individual driving in Nigeria if you are pulled over and requested to present a valid registration document and you are unable to do so. You risk facing all sorts or harassment that could result in fines or other consequences.
Current Insurance Certificate
It goes without saying that driving without a valid insurance certificate is illegal in Nigeria. A legitimate insurance certificate, either for comprehensive or third-party coverage is another essential piece of paperwork that you need to possess before you drive on roads. Having a valid insurance certificate is also a critical document you must possess before driving in Nigeria.
This certificate is evidence that the car is insured against third-party liability and provides coverage for other people’s losses or injuries in the event of an accident. Driving without insurance is prohibited and carries serious penalties, such as fines, license suspension, or legal action.
Certificate of Roadworthiness
In addition to your Insurance Certificate, every car owner must possess a valid certificate of roadworthiness before operating a vehicle on Nigerian roads.
This certificate attests to the fact that your vehicle has been inspected and meets all safety and environmental standards. It shows that your vehicle has been approved for traffic by the appropriate authorities and thereby deemed worthy for the roads.
Being caught driving in Nigeria without a road-worthiness certificate is not something you want to happen to you, it’s an unpleasant scene.
Valid Vehicle License
Possessing a valid vehicle license before driving on Nigerian roads is another must-have document.
This document along with the roadworthiness certification and auto-insurance shows that the vehicle has been licensed for use on the roads and has paid the necessary fees and taxes required to the appropriate bodies. It is against the law to operate a car in Nigeria without a valid license; doing so could result in fines or have the car impounded.
Proof of Ownership
Lastly, another essential piece of paperwork for every Vehicle user in Nigeria is the Proof of Ownership Certificate. This document serves as valid proof that a vehicle is legally owned by the registered individual or entity and has the right to operate on the roads. Vital details like the owner’s name and address, the model, year of manufacture, license plate number, and chassis number are all included in the proof of ownership document.
You can run into problems if you don’t have ownership documentation in the event of theft, accidents, or disagreements with the police.
Note: If you purchased your vehicle as second-hand here in Nigeria, you might require additional documentation to prove that you are the rightful owner. Make sure you obtain a properly signed change of ownership document from the vendor. Furthermore, you require the purchase receipt from the prior owner.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, all the documents mentioned in this article are crucial to have if you are operating any vehicle on Nigerian roads. Ensuring that you have all of the aforementioned documentation before taking to the road with your vehicle in Nigeria not only shows you are compliant with the law but also shields you in cases of legal disputes or accidents.
Remember to always carry these documents with you when driving and to renew them on a regular basis to be incompliance with the law. Keep only photocopies of your paperwork in your vehicle at all times, unless the law specifies otherwise. You should store your original copies in a secure, easily accessible location where you can always go back and create fresh copies in case you misplaced your photocopied documents. Stay safe and enjoy your journey on Nigerian roads!
