Nigeria’s importation of motor vehicles and parts from the United States rose sharply in 2025, reflecting renewed demand despite persistent foreign exchange pressures and high import costs.
Latest data from the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis show that Nigerians spent about $985m on vehicles and auto parts from the US in the first 10 months of 2025. This represents an 81.4 per cent increase from the $543m recorded in the same period of 2024, translating to an additional $442m within one year.
The passengers’ cars accounted for the largest share of imports. Nigeria brought in cars worth $727m between January and October 2025, compared with $411m in the corresponding period of 2024. The $316m increase, representing nearly 77 per cent growth, highlights sustained appetite for US-made vehicles even as buyers face elevated prices driven by currency depreciation and logistics costs.
Imports of trucks, buses and special-purpose vehicles more than doubled during the period, rising from $30m in the first 10 months of 2024 to $63m in 2025. Analysts link this growth to increased activity in logistics, construction and industrial operations, as businesses expand transport capacity despite tight financing conditions and high interest rates.
Vehicle parts also recorded strong growth, climbing from $103m in 2024 to $195m in 2025. The $92m increase points to heavier maintenance of existing vehicles and continued reliance on imported components, underscoring gaps in local vehicle assembly and parts manufacturing.
Monthly data show that Nigeria imported $136m worth of vehicles and parts from the US in October 2025, up from $116m in September. Passenger cars accounted for $102m of the October figure, while trucks and buses stood at $8m and parts at $26m. Although imports continued to rise, the pace was slower than in 2024, when October imports jumped by more than 40 per cent month on month, suggesting a gradual stabilisation after a strong rebound.
In contrast, October 2024 imports stood at $83m, compared with $59m in September of that year. By the end of October 2024, total vehicle-related imports from the US were $543m, far below the $985m recorded at the same point in 2025.
Earlier data from the National Bureau of Statistics also indicate a rebound in Nigeria’s vehicle imports in 2025. According to the NBS, the value of passenger motor car imports rose to N1.01tn in the first nine months of the year, up from N894.09bn in the corresponding period of 2024. The increase of N113.15bn reflects improving confidence among dealers and buyers as exchange rate volatility eased and access to foreign exchange improved.
Analysts note that while vehicle prices remain high, relative stability in the foreign exchange market has helped revive import activity. They add that the trend highlights ongoing demand for imported vehicles, while also renewing calls for stronger investment in local assembly and parts production to reduce pressure on foreign exchange and strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity.
