Bofeng Logistics provides international sea freight logistics services from major Chinese ports to Nigeria. Nigeria is an important global trade partner of China, and Bofeng Logistics cooperates with multiple shipping companies to offer both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping modes.
1. Route Overview
Nigeria is an important global trade partner of China, with bilateral trade volume growing continuously. Major import and export goods include machinery and equipment, building materials, electronic products, textiles, chemical products, daily necessities, etc. Lagos Port (LOS/Apapa) — Nigeria's largest port, the core gateway to West Africa; Tin Can Port (TIN) — an alternative port near Lagos.
Bofeng Logistics maintains cooperation with multiple shipping companies on this route, providing FCL, LCL, customs clearance, warehousing, insurance, and door-to-door one-stop services.
2. Port of Origin and Port of Destination
2.1 Main Ports of Origin in China
| Port of Origin | Region | Advantage | Suitable Cargo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Port | East China | Main departure port | Goods from East China/Yangtze River Delta |
| Shenzhen Port (Yantian) | South China | South China departure port | Goods from Pearl River Delta |
2.2 Main Destination Ports in Nigeria
Lagos Port (LOS/Apapa) — Nigeria's largest port, the core gateway to West Africa; Tin Can Port (TIN) — an alternative port near Lagos
3. Main Shipping Lines
| Shipping Company | Advantage Route | Sailing Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| COSCO Shipping | Leading capacity on West Africa routes | Multiple sailings per week |
| Maersk | Global network coverage | Multiple sailings per week |
| MSC | Coverage on West Africa routes | Multiple sailings per week |
4. Full Container Load Service (FCL)
4.1 Available Container Types
| Container Type | Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | Applicable Cargo |
|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 5.90×2.35×2.39m | Heavy cargo, chemicals, hardware & building materials |
| 40GP | 12.03×2.35×2.39m | Light bulky goods, furniture, textiles |
| 40HQ | 12.03×2.35×2.69m | High-volume goods, electronics, machinery |
4.2 Reference Transit Time
| Origin Region | Destination Port | Direct/Transshipment | Reference Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| East China (Shanghai) | Lagos | Direct or transshipment | Approximately 28-35 days |
| South China (Shenzhen) | Lagos | Direct or transshipment | Approximately 30-40 days |
Note: The above transit times are for reference only. Actual shipping time is affected by factors such as the shipping company's route design, connecting port scheduling, port operation efficiency, weather, etc. Please confirm at the time of booking.
5. Less than Container Load Service (LCL)
For small batch cargo, Bofeng Logistics provides sea freight LCL services from China to Nigeria. LCL cargo is charged based on volume or weight, whichever is greater (RT = Revenue Ton), 1 CBM = 1000 KG. LCL shipments can be arranged from both South China and East China.
6. Shipping Terms and Value-Added Services
| Term | Description | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| FOB China Port | Seller responsible up to port of origin, buyer arranges sea freight | Buyer-designated forwarder |
| CIF Nigeria Port | Seller responsible for sea freight + insurance to destination port | Seller controls shipping |
| DDP Nigeria Door | Seller responsible for entire transport to specified address in Nigeria (including customs duties) | Door-to-door service |
Value-Added Services: Export customs clearance, destination port customs clearance agent, truck pickup, warehousing & transshipment, transport insurance.
7. Operational Instructions for Nigeria Route
7.1 Documentation Requirements
- Bill of Lading (B/L), Commercial Invoice, Packing List
- Invoice must indicate detailed product name and HS code
- Some products require a Certificate of Origin
7.2 Customs and Compliance
- Nigeria Customs enforces SON certification standards for imported goods
- Product names on the B/L must be declared in detail; some products require a CRIA certificate
- Lagos Port occasionally experiences congestion; it is recommended to allow buffer time
- Free time at destination port is usually 3-5 days
7.3 Important Notes
- It is recommended to book space 2-3 weeks in advance, and 3-4 weeks in advance during peak seasons
- Special cargo (batteries, chemicals, etc.) requires prior confirmation of compliance requirements
- Free time at destination port is usually 3-7 days; detention charges will apply after expiry
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does sea freight take from China to Nigeria?
East China approximately 28-35 days, South China approximately 30-40 days.
Q2: What are the customs clearance requirements for Nigeria?
SON certification and CRIA certificate are required. The customs clearance process is strict; it is recommended to confirm cargo compliance before shipment.
9. Further Reading
-
International Shipping Operations Manual: Major Global Routes and Ports
-
International Shipping Operations Manual: How to Choose Between Direct and Transshipment Vessels
-
Shenzhen to Lagos Sea Freight Line
10. Contact Us
Get real-time quotes and customized logistics solutions for the China-to-Nigeria sea freight line:
- Phone: 130-7567-8958
- Email: info@zhbfwl.com
- Online Inquiry: Get Sea Freight Quote
This article was created by the professional team at Bofeng Logistics, based on 20 years of international shipping experience. If you have sea freight needs to Nigeria, welcome to contact Bofeng Logistics for a customized solution.