Shipping from China to Nigeria: Sea vs Air, Timelines and Documents

China is one of the most common origins for goods imported into Nigeria. Whether you are bringing in machinery, building materials, electronics or stock for resale, the route has three parts: getting the goods from your supplier onto a ship or plane, the journey to Lagos, and clearance and delivery in Nigeria. This guide covers each one.

Sea freight: FCL or LCL

Sea freight is the most economical option for heavy or bulky cargo.

• FCL (full container load): a 20ft or 40ft container for your goods only. Best value once you have enough volume, roughly from 13–15 cubic metres upwards for a 20ft.
• LCL (less than container load): your goods share a container with others, and you pay for the cubic metres you use. Best for smaller shipments.

How many days? Port-to-port sailings from major Chinese ports to Lagos commonly take around 30 to 45 days, depending on the shipping line and transhipment. Add time for collection and loading in China, and for clearance in Lagos.

Air freight

Air cargo suits urgent, light or high-value goods: samples, spare parts, electronics and fashion. Shipments typically reach Lagos within days, though consolidated services take longer than direct ones. Air freight is charged on chargeable weight, the higher of the actual weight and the volumetric weight (length × width × height in cm ÷ 6,000).

Sea or air: a quick rule

• Heavy, bulky, not urgent: sea.
• Small, urgent or high value per kilo: air.
• Several suppliers, small volumes: consolidate into one LCL or container shipment.

Documents to prepare

• Form M, opened through your Nigerian bank before the goods ship
• Commercial invoice and packing list from your supplier
• Bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air)
• SONCAP certificates for regulated products, or NAFDAC permits for food, drugs, cosmetics and chemicals
• PAAR from Nigeria Customs before arrival

Make sure the descriptions, quantities and values match across all of them. Mismatches are a common reason for delays at Lagos ports.

Avoiding delays in Lagos

• Open the Form M early and confirm permits before paying the supplier.
• Ask which Lagos port the service calls at: Apapa, Tin Can or Lekki Deep Sea Port.
• Arrange clearance and haulage before arrival to avoid demurrage and storage charges.

Let us handle it

We arrange sea and air freight from China to Lagos, consolidate goods from several suppliers, clear them through Customs and deliver them to your door. Send us your supplier details and cargo list for a quote.