Shipping a car from Canada to Nigeria is a growing trend among individuals relocating, car exporters, and vehicle dealers looking for reliable and affordable transport options.
Whether you’re sending a single car or multiple vehicles, understanding the process, cost, and requirements can save you both time and money.
At Metropolitan Logistics, we specialize in containerized car shipping from Canada, offering secure, trackable, and insured delivery to major Nigerian ports — including Lagos (Apapa and Tin Can Island).
Can You Ship a Car from Canada to Nigeria?
Yes, shipping a car from Canada to Nigeria is entirely possible and common.
Canada’s ports in Montreal, Halifax, and Vancouver handle regular container shipments destined for West Africa.
Because Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) is often unavailable or limited from Canada, container shipping is the most secure and dependable option.
How Shipping Cars from Canada to Nigeria Works
The process involves several key steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Vehicle Preparation | Clean and inspect your car; remove personal items; ensure no leaks. |
| 2. Container Loading | Vehicles are secured inside 20ft or 40ft containers at our facility. |
| 3. Export Documentation | We handle customs paperwork, Bill of Lading, and export clearance. |
| 4. Ocean Transit | Containers depart from Montreal or Halifax to Lagos, Nigeria. |
| 5. Import & Delivery | Once cleared in Nigeria, cars are unloaded and delivered to your destination. |
Transit time: typically 30–45 days, depending on port schedules and customs processing.
Shipping Methods: Why Containers Are Preferred
Unlike Europe or the U.S., Ro-Ro services are rarely available from Canadian ports.
That’s why container shipping is the safest, most reliable method.
| Shipping Method | Availability from Canada | Safety Level | Allows Personal Belongings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container Shipping | ✅ Widely available | 🔒 High | ✅ Yes | Single cars, luxury, or multiple vehicles |
| Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) | ❌ Limited or unavailable | ⚠ Medium | ❌ No | Operational cars only |
| Air Freight | 🚫 Not practical | 🔒 High | ❌ No | Urgent high-value shipments |
Metropolitan Logistics provides exclusive-use and shared-container options for cost flexibility.
Cost of Shipping a Car from Canada to Nigeria
The total cost of shipping a car from Canada to Nigeria depends on several factors:
| Factor | Typical Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Port of departure (Montreal, Halifax) | $2,000 – $2,600 |
| Container type (20ft / 40ft shared) | $2,000 – $3,200 |
| Vehicle size & weight | $250 – $500 variance |
| Documentation & handling | $150 – $300 |
| Destination port (Lagos – Apapa or Tin Can) | Included |
➡️ Average total cost: $2,500 – $3,500 CAD per car (door-to-port).
For multiple vehicles in a shared 40ft container, the cost per car can drop significantly.
Required Documents for Export
To export a vehicle from Canada to Nigeria, you’ll need:
- Vehicle registration and ownership documents
- Bill of Sale or purchase invoice
- Valid ID or passport
- Export declaration (B13A)
- Power of Attorney (if Metropolitan Logistics handles documentation on your behalf)
Our team ensures all paperwork meets both Canadian customs and Nigerian import regulations.
Nigerian Import Rules to Know
Before shipping, check that your vehicle meets Nigeria’s import eligibility criteria:
- Vehicles must not exceed 15 years old
- Left-hand drive vehicles only (RHD not allowed)
- Must be free of liens or outstanding loans
- Import duties average 35%–70% of CIF value (cost + insurance + freight)
We provide pre-export consultation to help calculate total landed cost and avoid hidden charges.
Best Canadian Ports for Shipping to Nigeria
| Port | Advantages | Typical Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal (QC) | Closest port with West Africa sailings | 30–40 days |
| Halifax (NS) | Efficient export clearance and container facilities | 35–45 days |
| Vancouver (BC) | Option for western shippers (via transshipment) | 45–50 days |
Most exporters use Montreal or Halifax for fastest and most cost-efficient service.
Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics
- ✅ Containerized vehicle shipping — safe, weather-protected transport
- ✅ Licensed freight forwarder in Canada
- ✅ Dedicated Nigeria route expertise
- ✅ Transparent pricing & full documentation
- ✅ Port-to-door support in Lagos
We’ve shipped hundreds of vehicles from Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary to Nigeria, handling both personal relocations and dealership exports.
Final Thoughts
Shipping cars from Canada to Nigeria requires professional coordination, accurate paperwork, and trusted carriers.
By choosing a licensed forwarder like Metropolitan Logistics, you gain access to complete logistics support — from pickup and loading to customs documentation and safe delivery at destination.
🚗 Get your quote today and let us handle every step of your vehicle’s journey from Canada to Nigeria.
📞 +1 (365) 829 5000
📧 service@metropolitanlogistics.ca