Skip to main content

Nigeria (NG)

Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and its largest economy — a vibrant, dynamic, and entrepreneurial country of over 220 million people spanning 36 states and 250+ ethnic groups.

Capital: Abuja
Region: Africa
Language: English
Currency: NGN (₦)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 22)
Emergency: 112
Premium

Bringing Pets to Nigeria

Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.

Microchip
Required
Health certificate
Required
Import permit
Required
Quarantine
Not required

Vaccinations

Rabies — administered 30 days to 12 months before entry Rabies antibody titre test — required: blood drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination; valid for 24 months after blood draw Dogs: distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus, leptospirosis, parvovirus Cats: feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus), panleukopenia, feline leukemia

Restricted Breeds

Nigeria does not publish a national banned-breeds list. Wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats (unless 5+ generations removed from wild pedigree) cannot be imported.

Plus Airline and residential estate rules may impose additional breed restrictions.

💰 Costs

USD 500–3,000+ depending on origin, microchip, rabies vaccination, titer test, government-endorsed health certificate, import permit, airline cargo crate, and handling agent fees.

📋 Relocation Process

1. Implant ISO 11784/11785 microchip. 2. Vaccinate for rabies, then wait at least 30 days before titre test blood draw. 3. Complete core vaccinations. 4. Apply for import permit from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or via the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS). 5. Obtain international health certificate from a licensed vet, endorsed by the government veterinary authority within 48 hours of departure. 6. Pets enter via Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos) or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja). 7. On arrival, NAQS officials conduct veterinary inspection; pets meeting all requirements are released after inspection.

Rabies risk, high heat, ticks, estate and compound breed restrictions, and seasonal airline cargo heat embargoes make early planning essential. Budget sufficient lead time for the titer test (blood draw at least 30 days after vaccination, then wait for results). Contact NAQS at contact@naqs.gov.ng for current permit requirements.