Step 1: Prepare Your Package Correctly
• Box it right: – Use a sturdy carton. Cushion fragile items with bubble wrap or foam.
• Weigh & measure: Get exact weight (kg) and dimensions (length x width x height). Carriers use volumetric weight (length x width x height ÷ 5000) – whichever is higher.
• Remove old labels: Avoid confusion
• Prohibited items: No cash, flammable liquids, batteries (some types), perishables without prior approval. Check NIPOST or your courier’s list.
💡B2B tip: Palletize bulk shipments. Individual tip: Use a new, clean box – customs officers inspect dirty or reused boxes more often.
Step 2: Choose your Shipping Method
✓ Carrier: DHL
• Best for: Documents, Small parcels, urgent
• Speed: 2 – 5 days
• Tracking: Full
✓ Carrier: FedEx
• Best for: Medium packages, business samples
• Speed: 3 – 6 days
• Tracking: Full
✓ Carrier: UPS
• Best for: Reliable global delivery
• Speed: 3 – 7 days
• Tracking: Full
✓ Carrier: Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST)
• Best for: Economy, non-urgent, small items
• Speed: 2 – 6 weeks
• Tracking: Limited
✓ Carrier: Freight Forwarders (e.g. GIGL, Sendy, MyQuickMart)
• Best for: Consolidation for cheaper rates
• Speed: 7 – 14 days
• Tracking: Moderate
Individual – For one off packages under 10kg, DHL or FedEx is easiest but costlier. NIPOST is cheaper but slow
B2B – Use a freight forwarder for regular or heavy shipments (consolidation saves 30-50%). For samples, DHL,UPS.
• Get quotes online or visit local offices in Lagos (ikeja, V.I), Abuja, Port Harcourt.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
✓ Documents: Proforma Invoice (3 copies)
Needed for: All shipments – states value, description, HS code
✓ Documents: Packing List
Needed for: All shipments – details of each box
✓ Documents: Commercial Invoice
Needed for: B2B shipments over $500
✓ Export Declarations ( Form NXP)
Needed for: Commercial exports above certain value (ask your forwarder)
✓ Documents: Certificate of Origin
Needed for: For goods claiming trade agreement (e.g. AfCFTA)
✓ Documents: NAFDAC/SON Permit
Needed for: Regulated products (food, drugs, chemicals, electronics).
Individual – You only need a simple invoice or value declaration (handwritten on plain paper is often accepted for small gifts).
B2B – Use correct HS codes (Harmonized System). Wrong codes cause delays or fines.
⚠️ Always declare true value. Under-declaration leads to seizure or blacklisting.
Step 4: Hand Over & Pay
• Drop-off: Take package to carrier’s local office (Lagos, Abuja, PH, Kano) or schedule a pickup(DHL/FedEx offer paid pickup).
• Pay Shipping Cost: Based on actual/volumetric weight, destination, and speed
• Get Waybill Number (tracking ID): Keep it safe.
Estimated Cost (0.5kg to USA/UK) & Price Range In Naira
✓ DHL Express: 35,000 – 55,000
✓ FedEx: 30,000 – 50,000
✓ NIPOST (economy): 8,000 – 15,000
✓ Freight Forwarder (consolidated, 1-2kg): 12,000 – 20,000
For 10kg: DHL – 150,000 – 200,000; forwarder- 60,000 – 90,000.
Step 5: Track, Clear Customs, & Deliver
• Track using the waybill number on the carrier’s website or app.
• Customs Clearance – The carrier usually handles export clearance in Nigeria. For imports at destination, the recipient may need to pay duties/taxes (DDU- Delivery Duty Unpaid) unless you choose DDP (Delivery Duty Paid – ask your carrier).
• Delivery – Final mile to recipient’s address. Sign on delivery.
⚡ B2B Tip: Use DDP terms when shipping to new customers – it gives a better experience.
Individuals: Inform the receiver about possible import taxes (e.g., 5-20% depending on country).
PRO TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SHIPMENT
• For Individual – Use a freight forwarder if shipping >2kg regularly (e.g. to UK, Canada, US). They consolidate and reduce cost.
• For Businesses – Open a corporate account with DHL/FedEx for discounted rates (up to 40% off).
• Avoid weekends – Packages dropped on Friday may sit until Monday.
• Label Clearly – Recipient’s phone number and full address (including postal code) on two sides of the box.
• Insure valuable items – DHL and FedEx offer insurance (about 1-2% of declared value).
Still Unsure?
Comment your destination, weight, and item type – we will recommend the best option for your next shipment from Nigeria.