How to Buy a Cheap Luxury Car – from Nigeria Customs

Thanks to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) e-Auction platform, many Nigerians now have a legitimate way to purchase high-end vehicles like Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and BMWs at remarkably lower prices than market rates.

The Customs Service, in its drive for transparency and revenue generation, routinely auctions seized and abandoned vehicles, giving citizens the opportunity to own quality cars without the inflated dealership prices.

However, successfully participating in these auctions requires understanding the correct process. Below, we break down the step-by-step guide for buying a cheap luxury car through Nigeria Customs:

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before participating, ensure you meet these conditions:

You must have a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) issued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Your email address must be linked to your TIN.
You must have an active Nigerian phone number.

These measures are in place to ensure only legitimate citizens or businesses take part.

Step 2: Register on the Official Auction Portal

To begin, visit the Nigeria Customs e-Auction platform:

Create an account using your TIN and personal details.
You will be prompted to pay a ₦1,000 non-refundable administrative fee for verification.

Important: Avoid third-party agents or unofficial websites. Customs does not auction via WhatsApp groups or Instagram pages.

Step 3: Fund Your e-Wallet

Once your account is active:

Fund your e-wallet through the auction portal.
Every bid you place will cost ₦1,000 per attempt, deducted from your e-wallet balance.

This system ensures fairness and discourages unserious bidding.

Step 4: Place Your Bids During the Weekly Auction

Customs auctions are held every Tuesday between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Log in at the right time.
Browse the list of available vehicles.
Place your bid(s) — you are allowed a maximum of two bids per auction day.

Winning is simple: the highest bidder at the close of auction time wins the vehicle.

Step 5: Payment and Documentation

If you win:

You’ll receive an official email notification.
You must make full payment within three (3) days, including a 7.5% VAT.
Failure to pay on time results in automatic forfeiture of the item.

Once payment is completed, you will be issued official Customs documents for your car — necessary for road registration and ownership.

Step 6: Vehicle Collection

After payment, you must:

Pick up your vehicle within seven (7) days from the Customs terminal where it is located.
Bring along all necessary proof of payment and identification.

Note: Vehicles are sold strictly on an "as-is" basis, meaning you buy it in the condition you find it — no warranty, no returns.

Key Warnings and Tips:

Inspect before you bid: If possible, visit the storage facility beforehand.
Stay away from middlemen: All transactions should be done personally through the official portal.
Be prompt with payment and pickup to avoid penalties.
Be ready for additional costs like repairs or duty regularization where necessary.

The Nigeria Customs Service has emphasized that the e-auction platform is designed to be transparent, fair, and free from corruption. In a statement, the agency urged Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity but remain vigilant against scammers.

As the prices of new cars continue to climb and the demand for luxury vehicles grows among Nigeria’s middle class, Customs auctions may offer the best legal opportunity to drive that dream car — without breaking the bank.

For upcoming auctions and more information, participants are advised to regularly check