Shipping to Nigeria
from the UK
FCL container shipping and air freight from the UK to Nigeria. Apapa Port Lagos and Murtala Muhammed International Airport — export documentation, Form M coordination, and customs clearance end-to-end.
£1,600
FCL from
20ft container to Apapa
21–28
Transit days
UK ports → Apapa
5–7
Air freight days
LHR → Lagos (LOS)
100%
NCS compliant
Nigeria Customs Service
West Africa's largest economy. A major freight destination.
Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and one of the UK's most significant trading partners on the continent. Freight demand runs across every sector: commercial importers supplying Lagos's retail and construction markets, diaspora shippers sending goods home, industrial buyers procuring UK machinery and equipment, and institutions importing technology, laboratory supplies, and printed materials.
Apapa Port, Lagos — Nigeria's primary deep-water port — handles the bulk of containerised imports from the UK. It connects to the national road network and onward haulage routes to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and beyond. For time-critical cargo, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos provides direct air freight links from Heathrow.
Ellcworth Express manages the full UK-to-Nigeria journey: export documentation, sea or air freight booking, Form M coordination with your Nigerian bank, Nigeria Customs Service clearance, and port-to-door delivery through our Lagos agent network.
Three freight modes to Nigeria.
FCL — Full Container Load
Dedicated containers from UK ports to Apapa Port, Lagos — Nigeria's principal deep-water port. Suited to commercial stock, industrial equipment, and institutional cargo where security and condition matter.
LCL — Groupage
Share container space with other shippers moving cargo to Lagos. We consolidate at our UK depot and your freight travels alongside vetted co-loaders under a single bill of lading.
Air Freight
Direct to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), Lagos. Door-to-airport and airport-to-airport options. Fastest route for time-critical cargo, spare parts, and high-value consignments.
How Nigerian customs clearance works.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) processes all imports through the NICIS II platform. Understanding the requirements before you ship avoids costly holds at Apapa.
Pre-Arrival Declaration (Form M)
Nigerian imports require a Form M — a mandatory foreign exchange document issued by a Nigerian bank before shipment. It must be in place before cargo departs the UK. Ellcworth works with your Nigerian consignee or their bank to ensure Form M is secured before the vessel sails.
NAFDAC & SON Permits (where applicable)
Certain goods — food, pharmaceuticals, electronics, cosmetics — require clearance from NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration) or SON (Standards Organisation of Nigeria) before release. We identify permit requirements at the quoting stage so nothing surprises you at the port.
Nigeria Customs Service Assessment
NCS assesses import duty based on the CIF value of the shipment. Import duties range from 5% to 35% depending on the HS tariff code. Our documentation is prepared to the standard required for smooth NCS processing at Apapa.
Duty Payment & Release
Once assessed, import duty is paid through the NCS e-payment system. A release order is issued authorising removal from the port. Our Lagos-based partners manage this step and provide confirmation when your cargo is cleared and ready for collection.
Common questions answered.
Shipping to Nigeria from the UK.
How long does shipping from the UK to Nigeria take?
By sea, expect 21–28 days from UK ports to Apapa Port, Lagos. Add 5–10 working days for NCS customs clearance. Air freight to Lagos (LOS) typically takes 5–7 days door-to-door.
What is Form M and do I need one?
Form M is a mandatory Nigerian import document issued by a Nigerian commercial bank. It must be obtained by the Nigerian consignee (importer) before the goods leave the UK. Without it, the shipment cannot clear Nigerian customs. We flag this requirement at the quoting stage.
What documents are required for shipping to Nigeria?
You will need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air), certificate of origin, and Form M from the Nigerian consignee. Some goods also require NAFDAC or SON permits. We provide a full checklist when you book.
How is import duty calculated in Nigeria?
NCS calculates duty on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) using the applicable HS tariff rate. Rates range from 5% to 35% depending on the category of goods. We provide a duty estimate before you commit to shipment.
Do you handle delivery from Apapa Port to Lagos or beyond?
Yes. Our Lagos-based partners provide port-to-door delivery across Lagos and can arrange onward haulage to Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other major cities.
How do I get a quote?
Use our online quote form or contact us directly via WhatsApp or email. For FCL or LCL we need cargo dimensions and weight. For air freight we need weight and dimensions. Quotes are typically returned within 24 hours.
Ready to ship to Nigeria?
FCL from £1,600 (20ft). Air freight quoted per kg. Full Nigeria Customs clearance coordination. Quote returned within 24 hours.