Renting a car can offer flexibility for exploring Nigeria, especially if traveling outside major city centers. Several car rental companies operate at major airports like Lagos (LOS) and Abuja (ABV). However, driving in Nigeria presents unique challenges. This guide covers the rental process and important driving considerations.

Car Rental Companies at Nigerian Airports

Nigeria's major international airports offer a range of car rental options, from international brands to local operators, each with distinct advantages and service levels.

International Rental Companies

Several global car rental brands maintain a presence at Nigerian airports:

  • Avis: Located at Lagos (Murtala Muhammed International Airport) and Abuja (Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport) terminals, offering a range of vehicle classes including executive sedans and SUVs
  • Hertz: Operates through local partners at major airports with both self-drive and chauffeur options
  • Sixt: Present at Lagos airport with a growing fleet of newer vehicles
  • Europcar: Partners with local operators at select Nigerian airports

Prominent Local Rental Companies

Nigerian car rental operators often provide competitive pricing and local expertise:

  • Veraline Car Rental: Based at Lagos and Abuja airports with an extensive fleet ranging from economy to luxury vehicles
  • Citi Transport Services: Offers airport pickup services with competitive long-term rental rates
  • Divine Car Rental: Local operator with strong presence at Lagos airport
  • NIDZ Car Rental: Specializes in chauffeur-driven services from major airports
  • Ace Car Rental: Serves Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja airports with a focus on business travelers

Booking Options and Recommendations

  • Advance reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak travel periods (December-January, Easter, and summer months)
  • Online booking: International brands offer streamlined online reservations with clear pricing
  • Airport counters: Walk-up rentals are possible but selection may be limited and prices higher
  • Hotel arrangements: Many hotels can arrange airport car rentals with trusted providers
  • Comparison platforms: Services like Expedia and Kayak include some Nigerian rental options, though their coverage is not comprehensive

When choosing between international and local companies, consider that international brands may offer more standardized service and newer vehicles, while local operators often provide more competitive rates and better understanding of local road conditions.

Requirements for Renting a Car

Car rental companies in Nigeria maintain specific requirements that travelers should prepare for before arrival.

Documentation

  • Driver's license: A valid license from your home country is required. For non-English licenses, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended and often mandatory
  • Nigerian driver's license: Technically required for longer stays. Some rental companies may accept foreign licenses for short-term tourists, but an IDP provides additional legitimacy
  • Passport: A valid passport is required for identification purposes
  • Return flight ticket: Many companies require proof of your departure plans
  • Hotel confirmation: Proof of accommodation during your stay may be requested

Age and Experience Requirements

  • Minimum age: Typically 21-25 years, depending on the rental company
  • Young driver surcharge: Drivers under 25 may face additional daily fees
  • License validity: Most companies require that you've held your license for at least one year
  • Maximum age: Some companies impose upper age limits (typically 70-75) or require additional documentation for senior drivers

Payment and Deposit

  • Credit card requirement: A major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) in the driver's name is typically required, with a substantial hold placed as security
  • Deposit amount: Security deposits range from ₦100,000 to ₦500,000 depending on the vehicle category
  • Prepayment options: Some local companies accept full prepayment via bank transfer, which may reduce on-site credit card requirements
  • Cash acceptance: Limited, though some local operators may accept substantial cash deposits with additional verification

Additional Requirements for Foreigners

  • Visa documentation: Your valid Nigerian visa or entry permit may be required
  • Enhanced verification: Expect more thorough document checks as a foreign renter
  • References: Some local companies may request hotel or local business references for first-time renters

It's advisable to contact your chosen rental company before arrival to confirm their specific requirements, as these can vary significantly between providers.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Selecting an appropriate vehicle for Nigerian road conditions is crucial for a comfortable and safe experience.

Vehicle Types and Recommendations

  • Compact/Economy sedans: Suitable for city driving in Lagos or Abuja, and major highways. Brands like Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are common in rental fleets
  • Mid-size sedans: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and similar models offer better comfort for longer journeys
  • SUVs: Highly recommended for traveling outside major cities or during rainy season. Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Toyota Highlander are popular choices
  • Full-size SUVs: Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado, and similar vehicles provide maximum comfort and capability on rough roads
  • Premium/Executive vehicles: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and similar luxury options are available primarily in Lagos and Abuja

Road Condition Considerations

Nigerian road infrastructure varies dramatically, which should influence your vehicle choice:

  • Urban centers: Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt generally have paved roads where standard sedans are suitable
  • Inter-city highways: Major highways connecting large cities are typically paved but may have sections with potholes where higher clearance is beneficial
  • Rural areas: Secondary roads often feature unpaved sections, potholes, or erosion damage that require SUVs with good ground clearance
  • Rainy season considerations: During heavy rains (typically May-October), flooding can occur in urban areas, making SUVs with higher water wading capability preferable

Transmission Options

Consider your comfort level with different transmission types:

  • Manual transmission: More common in economy and compact vehicles, and often less expensive to rent
  • Automatic transmission: Increasingly available, especially in mid-range and luxury vehicles, and recommended for those unfamiliar with Nigerian traffic patterns
  • Availability note: If you specifically require an automatic transmission, book well in advance as these vehicles comprise a smaller portion of most rental fleets

Special Features to Consider

  • Air conditioning: Essential year-round in Nigeria's tropical climate
  • GPS navigation: Often not included as standard; consider using smartphone navigation apps instead
  • Fuel efficiency: Petrol (gasoline) prices fluctuate in Nigeria; more efficient vehicles can significantly reduce your travel costs
  • Spare tire and tools: Verify these are included and in good condition before accepting the vehicle
  • Tinted windows: Provide privacy and reduce heat, but very dark tints may attract police attention

For most visitors, a mid-size SUV represents the best balance of comfort, capability, and value for exploring Nigeria beyond the major cities. If staying exclusively within Lagos or Abuja, a standard sedan may be sufficient and more economical.

Understanding Rental Agreements and Insurance

Carefully reviewing your rental agreement and understanding insurance coverage is essential before driving away.

Rental Agreement Key Points

Pay close attention to these aspects of your rental contract:

  • Rental duration: Clearly defined pick-up and return dates and times, with late return penalties specified
  • Mileage limits: Many Nigerian rentals come with daily or total mileage restrictions (typically 100-250km per day), with excess charges applying
  • Geographical restrictions: Some rental agreements prohibit travel to certain states or regions due to security concerns
  • Additional drivers: All drivers must be registered on the agreement, usually with an additional fee
  • Return location: One-way rentals (returning to a different location) often incur substantial fees if available at all

Fuel Policies

Understanding the fuel policy prevents unexpected charges:

  • Full-to-full: The most common and fair policy; you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full
  • Pre-purchase: You buy a full tank up front and can return it with any level (convenient but rarely economical)
  • Same-as-received: Document the exact fuel level at pickup and return it the same way
  • Refueling charges: If you return the car with less fuel than agreed, expect to pay premium rates for the difference

Insurance Options

Nigerian car rentals typically offer these insurance components:

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your liability for vehicle damage in an accident, but usually with a significant excess/deductible
  • Theft Protection (TP): Covers vehicle theft, also typically with an excess
  • Super/Zero Excess CDW: Premium option that eliminates or further reduces your liability in case of damage
  • Third Party Liability: Mandatory basic coverage for damage to other vehicles or property
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Optional coverage for driver and passenger injuries

Understanding Coverage Limitations

Be aware of what your insurance doesn't cover:

  • Exclusions: Most policies exclude damage to tires, windows, undercarriage, roof, and interior
  • Void conditions: Insurance may be invalidated by unauthorized drivers, driving under the influence, or traveling to restricted areas
  • Documentation requirements: In case of accident or damage, police reports are typically required to validate insurance claims

Additional Fees to Consider

  • Airport surcharges: Premium of 10-15% often applies to airport pickups
  • After-hours fees: Picking up or returning outside standard business hours typically incurs extra charges
  • Equipment rental: GPS units, child seats, mobile WiFi, etc. are available at additional daily rates
  • Cleaning fees: Excessive dirt or sand may trigger special cleaning charges

Always read the full rental agreement before signing, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification on any points. Taking photos of the vehicle from all angles before driving away provides valuable documentation in case of disputes about pre-existing damage.

Driving in Nigeria: Important Tips

Navigating Nigerian roads requires preparation, alertness, and adaptation to local driving practices.

Traffic Conditions in Major Cities

  • Lagos traffic: Notoriously congested, especially during morning (6-10am) and evening (4-8pm) rush hours. Travel times can be unpredictable and significantly longer than GPS estimates
  • Abuja navigation: More organized with a grid system, but still experiences congestion on major arteries during peak hours
  • Port Harcourt: Heavy traffic in the city center, complicated by numerous one-way streets that change direction periodically
  • Informal rules: Local driving often involves improvisation, lane-straddling, and creative interpretations of traffic regulations

Road Conditions and Hazards

Be prepared for various road challenges:

  • Potholes: Even major highways may have sudden, large potholes requiring vigilant attention
  • Unmarked speed bumps: Common in residential areas and approaching villages, often without warning signs
  • Road sharing: Expect to share roads with motorcycles (okada), three-wheelers (keke), pushcarts, pedestrians, and livestock
  • Flooding: During rainy season, low-lying areas can become impassable, requiring detours
  • Road construction: Ongoing infrastructure projects may create sudden detours with minimal signage

Driving Conventions and Safety

  • Right-side driving: Nigeria drives on the right side of the road
  • Defensive driving: Essential approach - anticipate unexpected maneuvers from other road users
  • Horn use: Horns are used frequently as communication tools rather than expressions of anger
  • Headlights: Use them even during daytime on highways; flash to indicate you're yielding right of way
  • Seatbelts: Mandatory for front-seat occupants, though enforcement varies
  • Mobile phones: Using handheld phones while driving is prohibited but commonly observed

Security Considerations

Take these precautions for safer driving:

  • Night driving: Best avoided, especially outside urban areas, due to poor visibility, security concerns, and increased presence of vehicles without functioning lights
  • Vehicle security: Keep windows up and doors locked in urban traffic; don't leave valuables visible
  • Parking: Use secured, guarded parking lots whenever possible
  • Checkpoints: Military and police checkpoints are common. Approach slowly, be respectful, and have vehicle documents accessible
  • Area research: Before departing, research current security conditions along your route

Navigation and Routes

  • GPS reliability: Google Maps and other navigation apps generally work in major cities but may suggest impassable routes in rural areas
  • Offline maps: Download map data for your routes before traveling, as cellular coverage varies
  • Local knowledge: Hotel concierges or local contacts can provide current route recommendations that consider security and road conditions
  • Fuel planning: Plan refueling stops carefully, as stations may be sparse in rural regions or experience periodic shortages

Traffic Law Enforcement

  • Documentation: Keep rental agreement, driver's license, and passport copy readily accessible
  • FRSC officers: Federal Road Safety Corps officers in uniform are the primary legitimate traffic enforcement authority
  • Traffic stops: If stopped, remain polite and professional. If asked for payments, request a ticket or official receipt
  • Speed limits: Generally 50km/h in urban areas, 80km/h on rural highways, and 100km/h on expressways, though signage may be limited

For those unfamiliar with Nigerian driving conditions, consider starting with short, daytime journeys within major cities before attempting longer inter-city travel.

Alternatives to Self-Drive Rentals

For many visitors, especially first-time travelers to Nigeria, alternatives to self-drive rentals offer greater convenience and peace of mind.

Hiring a Car with Driver

The most popular and recommended option for visitors:

  • Chauffeur service benefits: Local drivers navigate complex traffic patterns efficiently, understand regional security dynamics, and communicate in local languages when necessary
  • Booking options: Available through most car rental companies, hotels, or dedicated chauffeur services
  • Cost structure: Typically charged as a daily rate plus fuel, with additional hourly charges for waiting time beyond standard hours
  • Vehicle types: Available in the same range as self-drive rentals, from economy cars to executive vehicles
  • Customization: Services can be tailored for business meetings, sightseeing, airport transfers, or extended travel

Pricing Guide (approximate)

  • Standard sedan with driver: ₦25,000-35,000 per day
  • SUV with driver: ₦35,000-50,000 per day
  • Executive vehicle with driver: ₦50,000-80,000 per day
  • Additional hours: ₦2,000-5,000 per hour beyond standard 10-hour day

Ride-Hailing Services

Convenient for shorter journeys within major cities:

  • Available platforms: Uber and Bolt (formerly Taxify) operate extensively in Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities
  • Advantages: No parking concerns, transparent pricing, trackable journeys, and no minimum rental period
  • Limitations: May be reluctant to travel to certain areas or for very long distances
  • Safety features: Driver ratings, journey sharing, and in-app emergency assistance
  • Coverage note: Service availability diminishes significantly outside major urban centers

Airport Taxis and Hotel Shuttles

  • Airport authorized taxis: Available at designated ranks with set rates to common destinations
  • Hotel shuttles: Many major hotels offer complimentary or paid airport transfer services with advance arrangement
  • Advantages: Immediate availability without booking, often with fixed pricing
  • Considerations: Quality and safety standards vary; hotel services generally offer more consistency

Executive Car Services

Premium option for business travelers:

  • Professional services: Companies like Imperial Car Service, Executive Rides Nigeria, and TLC Africa offer higher-end vehicles with professionally trained drivers
  • Features: Late-model luxury vehicles, uniformed drivers, complimentary refreshments, and enhanced security protocols
  • Booking process: Usually requires 24-hour advance reservation
  • Cost range: ₦60,000-120,000 per day depending on vehicle class

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative

  • Trip purpose: Business meetings may warrant executive services; sightseeing benefits from knowledgeable local drivers
  • Duration: For stays less than 3 days, ride-hailing or daily chauffeur services are often more economical than rentals
  • Flexibility needs: Consider whether you need on-demand transportation or a scheduled itinerary
  • Budget considerations: While chauffeur services cost more than self-drive rentals, they eliminate stress and navigation challenges

Conclusion

While self-drive car rentals offer independence for exploring Nigeria, they come with significant challenges for those unfamiliar with local driving conditions. For most visitors, chauffeur-driven services provide the best balance of flexibility, convenience, and safety.

If you do opt for a self-drive rental, choose a reputable company, select an appropriate vehicle for your planned routes, thoroughly understand your insurance coverage, and maintain a defensive driving approach at all times.

Whether driving yourself or being driven, allow extra time for journeys, be prepared for unexpected road conditions, and prioritize safety over strict schedules for a more enjoyable Nigerian travel experience.