Import and clearing costs are pushing the market upmarket. Here’s how to make a smart move — and why cleared units from Stock Motorcars save you time and money.
According to a recent report by Nairametrics, Nigeria’s car market is accelerating toward high-end SUVs as import and clearing costs squeeze cheaper, older models out of viability. The piece features insights from our own Managing Director/CEO, Esu Bassey-Duke, with real data on what’s selling and why. Read the full article on Nairametrics.
What’s Changing in Nigeria’s Car Market
- Demand skews to mid-size and large SUVs — e.g., Mercedes GLE, Lexus LX, Toyota Highlander, RAV4, Tucson, and Mazda SUVs.
- Older models are less attractive to import because clearing costs are closer to those of newer cars, erasing the “cheap to import” advantage.
- Market data confirms the shift: ₦479.26 billion worth of vehicles were imported in H1 2025 (≈3.12% of total imports), down 9.6% YoY — a smaller market tilting to higher-value units.
Why High-End SUVs Are Winning
Premium SUVs offer stronger resale, fewer surprises at clearing, and real-world versatility for Nigerian roads. Per Bassey-Duke’s interview, buyers with the means are prioritizing 2014+ model years and clean, well-documented vehicles — think clean Carfax, low mileage, and accident-free history.
How to Win as a Buyer in 2025
- Target newer, verified SUVs. They hold value and are easier to clear without surprise costs.
- Account for FX risk and port delays. Even a “cheap” car can get expensive with delays and rate moves.
- Prefer cleared, ready-to-drive units. You lock your total cost and shorten the time to delivery.
Why Stock Motorcars Is Built for This Moment
- Cleared inventory: The price you see is the landed price — no hidden duty shocks.
- Quality screening: We prioritize 2014+ models, clean reports, and low mileage — the same standards highlighted in the interview.
- Faster turnaround: Our end-to-end process and U.S. sourcing shorten the cycle from “want” to “drive.”
- Financing & nationwide delivery: We help you structure payments and deliver across Nigeria.
Explore High-End SUVs in Stock
Browse cleared luxury SUVs ready for Nigerian roads, book a test drive, or speak with our team about financing.
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Source: Nairametrics: Nigeria’s car market shifts to high-end SUVs as import costs rise — Bassey-Duke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are older, cheaper cars no longer worth importing?
For many cases, clearing costs narrow the gap with newer models, making older imports less compelling.
Which SUVs are in highest demand now?
Mid-size to large SUVs such as Mercedes GLE, Lexus LX, Toyota Highlander and RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda SUVs.
How does Stock Motorcars reduce risk?
We sell cleared, verified vehicles with transparent pricing, plus financing and nationwide delivery.
