Destinations / Nigeria
Driving in Nigeria as a visitor
Usually yes. Nigeria expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Nigeria expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h expressways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in NGN. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| City zones | Severe congestion (go-slow) in Lagos. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Nigeria
At the pump
Petrol (PMS), diesel (AGO) and kerosene are sold at attended stations that are common in towns but scarce in remote areas; queues and price swings occur after subsidy changes, and many stations are cash-only.
After a crash
Stop, do not leave the scene, and call the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on 122 and police on 112; obtain a police report for insurance and rental claims and photograph the scene and any damage.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · tollguru.com · lcc.com.ng · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Nigeria?
Usually yes. Nigeria expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Nigeria accept?
Nigeria recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Nigeria ask for one?
Lagos and Abuja desks request an IDP; chauffeured hire is common.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.