Shipping goods from the UK to Nigeria can feel daunting if it is your first time. But with the right preparation, the process is straightforward. Here are ten practical tips from our experienced logistics team.
Air freight is fast (around 5 working days) but more expensive per kilogram. Sea freight takes 4–6 weeks but costs significantly less for large or heavy shipments. For most household goods and commercial cargo over 50 kg, sea freight is the better value. For urgent or high-value items, air freight is worth the premium.
A detailed packing list — listing every item, its quantity and approximate value — is essential for customs clearance. Vague descriptions like “household goods” cause delays. List specific items: “3 × men’s shirts, 2 × children’s shoes” etc.
Always declare the accurate value of your goods. Under-declaration is a common cause of customs holds in Nigeria. Nigerian Customs may independently assess value using reference databases, and discrepancies attract additional duties and potential penalties.
Prohibited and restricted items include: ammunition, certain food products, currency, live animals, and goods requiring specific import licences. Check the Nigerian Customs Service prohibited items list before booking. Our team can also advise you directly.
Use strong, double-walled cardboard boxes for general goods. Wrap fragile items individually. Seal boxes with strong packing tape on all edges. Mark heavy boxes with “Heavy” and fragile boxes with “Fragile – This Way Up”. Poor packing leads to damage claims that could have been avoided.
Knowing the weight and dimensions of your cargo before you call us means we can give you an accurate quote immediately. Air freight uses volumetric weight (L×W×H ÷ 6000). Sea freight uses CBM (L×W×H in metres). We will verify measurements at our warehouse, but prior knowledge avoids surprises.
Air freight departures leave every Friday. If your goods arrive at our warehouse after the cut-off (Wednesday), they will travel on the following week’s departure. Sea freight vessels depart on a fixed schedule too. Give yourself at least a week’s lead time for air freight and two weeks for sea freight, especially around public holidays.
Freight forwarder liability is limited by international conventions and does not cover full replacement value. Cargo insurance is inexpensive relative to the peace of mind it provides. We recommend it for all shipments over £200 in value.
Maits Services Ltd provides tracking references for all shipments. Use our shipment tracking tool to monitor your cargo’s progress from the UK to Nigeria. If you have any concerns, our customer service team is available Monday–Friday 09:00–17:00.
This is perhaps the most important tip. Choosing an experienced UK–Nigeria freight specialist means your paperwork is correct, your cargo is handled properly and any issues are resolved quickly. Maits Services Ltd has years of experience in UK–Nigeria logistics with offices in Purfleet (UK), Lagos (Nigeria), and globally.
Ready to ship? Get a free quote or speak to our team today.
Trusted UK–Nigeria freight specialists. Get your free quote today or speak to our team.