LHD or RHD for Nigeria, Tanzania & Ghana?

When exporting used trucks to Africa, one of the first specifications to confirm is whether the destination market requires a Left-Hand Drive (LHD) or Right-Hand Drive (RHD) truck.

Choosing the wrong configuration can create registration problems, require expensive steering conversion, or even prevent the vehicle from being legally used.

For Nigeria, Tanzania, and Ghana, the basic guide is:

However, steering position is only one part of truck import compliance.

1. Nigeria: Choose LHD Trucks

For Nigeria, LHD is the correct configuration.

Nigeria's National Road Traffic Regulations state that vehicles with steering equipment fitted on the right-hand side are prohibited from importation and cannot be registered or driven on Nigerian public roads.

Before exporting a HOWO, SHACMAN, or other heavy truck to Nigeria, check:

• Original LHD configuration
• Correct VIN and documents
• Steering system condition
• Brakes and lighting
• Roadworthiness of the vehicle

For Nigerian buyers, purchasing an original LHD truck is generally much safer than importing an RHD truck and attempting a conversion later.

2. Tanzania: RHD Is the Practical Choice

Tanzania drives on the left side of the road, making RHD trucks the normal and practical configuration for the local market.

However, steering position alone does not guarantee import compliance.

Imported used vehicles must meet Tanzania Bureau of Standards requirements and obtain the relevant roadworthiness inspection documentation. Vehicles that fail inspection and cannot be repaired may be required to be re-exported or otherwise dealt with under TBS procedures.

Before shipping a used truck to Tanzania, check:

• RHD configuration
• Steering condition
• Braking system
• Lights
• Tires
• Chassis condition
• Applicable TBS inspection requirements

A truck being RHD does not automatically mean it will pass import inspection.

3. Ghana: Choose LHD Trucks

Ghana drives on the right, so LHD trucks are the standard choice.

The Ghana Revenue Authority states that right-hand steering vehicles are generally not allowed. Limited policy dispensation may be available, but RHD vehicles must undergo conversion before they can fully operate on Ghanaian roads.

Ghana's DVLA also has a physical conversion procedure that includes inspection and testing for vehicles undergoing steering conversion.

For normal commercial truck exports, the safer option is therefore:

Ship an original LHD truck to Ghana.

This reduces the risk and additional work associated with conversion and registration.

4. Why Steering Conversion Is Not Always a Good Solution

Changing a heavy truck from RHD to LHD—or the opposite—is more complicated than simply moving the steering wheel.

The conversion may involve:

• Steering gear
• Steering column
• Dashboard
• Brake controls
• Clutch system
• Wiring
• Wiper system
• Lighting
• Cab components

Poor-quality conversion can affect reliability and may create problems during inspection or registration.

For used HOWO and SHACMAN trucks, it is therefore better to select the correct steering configuration before shipment whenever possible.

Quick Guide for Truck Exporters

For these three African markets, remember:

Nigeria → LHD

Tanzania → RHD

Ghana → LHD

But steering position is only the first compliance check.

Truck age, mechanical condition, inspection requirements, import documents, and local registration regulations should also be confirmed before shipment.

For used truck exporters, the safest approach is simple:

Check the destination country's requirements first, then select the truck.

Snail Truck supplies LHD and RHD HOWO and SHACMAN trucks for different African markets and can match truck configurations to local road conditions and operating requirements.