Destinations / Nigeria
Driving in Nigeria as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Nigeria drives on the right with heavy city traffic; an IDP is advised with your national licence, and many visitors hire a driver in Lagos.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Nigeria expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Nigeria drives on the right with heavy city traffic; an IDP is advised with your national licence, and many visitors hire a driver in Lagos.
Which translation format is used for Nigeria?
Nigeria uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Nigeria ask for a translation?
Lagos and Abuja desks request an IDP; chauffeured hire is common.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Nigeria?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.