Cross-border route

Chad Nigeria

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Chad into Nigeria: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Nigeria expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1949 Geneva Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.

Get my permit for Nigeria Nigeria requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromChad

ToNigeria

IDP in NigeriaStrongly recommended

Accepted format1949 Geneva

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in NigeriaNGN

Emergency number112

Top speed limit100 km/h expressways

Chad → Nigeria

Crossing the border

Chad and Nigeria share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.

Driving rules in Nigeria

Drive on the right.
Severe congestion (go-slow) in Lagos.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

What to see when you arrive in Nigeria

the markets and beaches of Lagos
the Zuma Rock near Abuja
the Yankari National Park
the Olumo Rock in Abeokuta
the Idanre Hills

Once you're driving in Nigeria

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Tourists may drive short-term on a valid foreign licence, but car-rental agencies and insurers require an International Driving Permit alongside it, so carry both. IDPs are typically valid for one year.

Tolls & road charges

Federal tolling is being revived on corridors such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, while Lagos State's Lekki-Ikoyi and Admiralty Circle plazas have stayed suspended since the 2020 End SARS protests; where tolls operate, drivers pay cash or card at plazas.

Parking in the cities

Lagos and Abuja have paid on-street parking and government car parks (in Lagos managed via the LASPARK scheme); illegally parked cars risk clamping or towing by state traffic agencies like LASTMA.

Fines & camera enforcement

FRSC issues fixed fines for speeding, phone use and no seatbelt, and may impound the vehicle for serious offences; rental firms pass camera or checkpoint fines to renters, and unofficial cash demands at stops are common.

If you have an accident

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.

Driving in the capital

Lagos is notorious for 'go-slow' gridlock, especially on Third Mainland Bridge and the Lekki-Epe corridor; LASTMA officers actively enforce one-way and bus-lane rules and impound offending vehicles.

Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · tollguru.com · lcc.com.ng · internationaltravelpermits.com

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Chad to Nigeria?

Yes — Nigeria commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Nigeria recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Chad and Nigeria?

No. Both Chad and Nigeria drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, dial 112 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 100 km/h expressways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Nigeria?

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.