For many Nigerians who buy imported vehicles, the experience is often marred by last-minute fees that appear after payments have been made.
Buyers routinely complain of being compelled to settle extra charges described as “documentation top-ups,” “port adjustments,” or “shipping increments”, costs they were never told about at the point of purchase.
This pattern, which has become widespread in the auto-importation sector, has left many customers feeling exploited and financially pressured long after agreeing on a price.
One of the companies now speaking out against this entrenched practice is CME Autos (China Made Easy Limited), which has condemned the system of undisclosed fees as one of the industry’s most damaging habits.
A pattern many buyers know too well
While some dealers advertise seemingly affordable prices, customers often encounter a familiar series of events.
After a deposit is made, the dealer abruptly announces an increase in shipping costs or introduces new port charges, logistics adjustments or other unverified additions. Caught midway after committing funds, many buyers pay the extra fees rather than risk losing their initial payments. Experts say the practice amounts to deceptive billing disguised as standard procedure.
CME Autos challenges industry norms
Breaking from what has long been considered “business as usual,” CME Autos has positioned itself as one of the few operators openly rejecting hidden charges and advocating full-price disclosure.
The company says its policy includes providing customers with a detailed cost breakdown even before payment is made.
The documentation covers the cost of the vehicle, shipping, clearing, delivery and other legitimate charges—leaving no room for unexplained additions after the deal is concluded.
Another aspect of its model is a staggered payment system where customers pay 80 per cent upfront and the remaining 20 per cent only when the car arrives in Nigeria, a method industry observers say encourages transparency and accountability.
The company also provides buyers with loading videos, purchase confirmation, vessel-tracking links, estimated arrival times and clearing progress updates — transparency steps that remain uncommon among many auto dealers.
In addition, CME Autos maintains a strict “no hidden charges” policy, insisting that once a price is issued, it stays fixed.
A founder shaped by early trade experience
Analysts believe the company’s stance reflects the personal history of its founder, Orisakwe Augustine Chizuruoke, born on May 27, 1994, in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Chizuruoke’s early years were spent in the Benin Republic where he underwent a traditional apprenticeship in motorcycle and auto parts trading.
The experience exposed him to international purchasing methods, trade discipline, negotiation and multilingual commerce, including French.
He later returned to Nigeria to earn a degree in Business Administration from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
Observers say his grassroots training combined with formal education explains CME Autos’ emphasis on documented processes, traceable transactions and honest pricing.
Why the company is raising the alarm
According to CME Autos, the use of hidden charges undermines trust in the industry, inflates vehicle costs, distorts market prices and opens the door to unprofessional middlemen.
The company insists that the Nigerian auto market cannot grow unless transparency becomes the norm.
A push for a more accountable auto market
With more Nigerians demanding clarity in vehicle importation, CME Autos’ approach is drawing attention within the industry, especially among younger and emerging brands.
The company envisions a market where buyers know their exact total cost from the start, can independently track shipments, receive proof of every fee paid, enjoy flexible payment structures and are shielded from sudden financial surprises.
Whether other operators will embrace similar standards remains uncertain. However, the call for openness is spreading quickly — and car buyers are increasingly refusing to accept a system built on hidden charges.
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