Car Rentals at Abuja Airport (ABV)

You need both. Your US license alone is not legally accepted by Nigerian authorities or most rental agencies. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory and must accompany your valid US license. Get your IDP from AAA or AATA before your trip—it costs around $20 and takes 1-2 business days. Without both documents, you risk fines, insurance invalidation, and potential detention at police checkpoints, which are common throughout Abuja.

Abuja is one of Nigeria's safest cities for driving, but caution is essential. Security checkpoints are frequent—always slow down, keep windows partially up, and have your license, IDP, and rental documents ready. Never drive at night outside the city center. Avoid displaying valuables and lock doors at all times. Carjacking risk exists but is lower in Abuja than Lagos. Stick to main roads like Airport Road, Central Area, and Maitama District. If stopped by police, remain calm and polite; most are legitimate, but bribery requests can occur.

Abuja has some of Nigeria's best roads, especially in the Central Area, Maitama, and Asokoro districts, where paved roads are well-maintained. However, many residential areas and side streets have deep potholes, unpaved sections, and poor drainage—especially during the rainy season (May-October). A standard sedan works for main city routes, but a 4WD SUV is strongly recommended if you plan to visit outskirts or travel during heavy rains. Flooding can make some roads impassable for 2-3 hours after downpours.

Basic Nigerian rental insurance is insufficient—purchase comprehensive coverage. Third-party liability is legally required but capped at low amounts. Strongly consider Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft protection, and Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) with at least $100,000 coverage. Check if your US credit card offers rental insurance for Nigeria (many exclude high-risk countries). Self-insure with a $1,000+ deposit expectation. Most importantly, verify tire and windshield coverage separately—these are often excluded and prone to damage from poor road conditions. Document all pre-existing damage with photos and video before driving off.

Expect a credit card pre-authorization deposit of $500-$1,500, depending on vehicle class. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at major agencies, but carry cash (Naira) for smaller operators who may not accept cards. Most rentals use a full-to-full fuel policy—return the car with the same fuel level to avoid inflated refueling charges. Gas stations are plentiful on main roads, but queue lines can be 30+ minutes during shortages. Always fill up at major stations like Total, Oando, or NNPC to avoid adulterated fuel. Keep 5,000-10,000 Naira in cash for emergencies.