Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and China is an important trading partner of Nigeria. Trade between the two countries is increasing. Understanding shipping time is a concern for every business. This article will provide a detailed description time of shipping from China to Nigeria.
If you want to find a freight forwarding company, you can refer to: Cheapest Shipping Company from China to Nigeria
Time of Sea Freight from China to Nigeria
Nigeria is located in western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, with important ports such as Lagos and Apapa. Sea transportation is the most common mode of transportation from China to Nigeria, suitable for the transportation of bulk goods. Sea transportation usually takes a long time, but the transportation cost is relatively low.
It usually takes about 30 to 45 days for goods to travel from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo) to ports in Nigeria (such as Lagos and Abuja), depending on the route, seasonal factors, and shipping company arrangements. Main influencing factors:
- Sea Freight time may fluctuate due to factors such as weather, port congestion, and unloading processes.
- Seasonal changes (such as peak and off-seasons) may affect the capacity and ship schedule of the route, resulting in different sailing times.
The following is the time range for shipping from China to Nigeria:
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | Transport time (days) |
| Shanghai | Lagos | 35-40 days |
| Shenzhen | Lagos | 30-35 days |
| Ningbo | Lagos | 32-38 days |
| Qingdao | Lagos | 35-45 days |
| Shanghai | Apapa | 35-40 days |
| Shenzhen | Apapa | 30-35 days |
| Ningbo | Apapa | 34-40 days |
| Qingdao | Apapa | 35-45 days |
Time of Air Freight from China to Nigeria
Air freight is usually used for fast speed and suitable for goods that need to be delivered quickly. It is costly and has limited capacity. It is suitable for small quantities or high-value goods, but the transportation time is relatively short.
The air freight time from China to Nigeria is usually between about 5 and 7 days. The specific time depends on the flight schedule and the flight distance. Main influencing factors:
- The time of air freight is mainly affected by factors such as the arrangement of airline flights, whether the cargo transfer is smooth, and the processing speed of the destination airport.
- The air freight time is relatively fixed, but if it is an international flight transfer, there may be a transfer waiting time.
The following is the time from China to Nigeria Airport:
| Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Transport time (days) |
| Beijing Capital | Murtala Muhammed | 5-7 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Murtala Muhammed | 5-6 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Murtala Muhammed | 5-7 days |
| Shenzhen Baoan | Murtala Muhammed | 5-7 days |
| Beijing Capital | Nnamdi Azikiwe | 5-6 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | Nnamdi Azikiwe | 5-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | Nnamdi Azikiwe | 5-7 days |
| Shenzhen Baoan | Nnamdi Azikiwe | 5-6 days |
If you want to know the shipping time to other countries you can read:
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Egypt
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Dubai
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Saudi Arabia?
How Long Does it Take to Ship from China to Turkey
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Nigeria
The following are the general costs of transporting 20ft and 40ft, but since the prices in the shipping market are different every week, if you want to know the detailed prices, you can consult Ubest Shipping and we will reply to you within 24 hours!
| POL (Port of China) | POL (Port of Nigeria) | 20ft Container Cost | 40ft Container Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Apapa | $2550-$3500 | $3500-$4500 |
| Shenzhen | Apapa | $2200-$3300 | $3450-$4350 |
| Qingdao | Apapa | $2650-$3650 | $3350-$4550 |
| Ningbo | Apapa | $2500-$3500 | $3250-$4550 |
| Guangzhou | Apapa | $2750-$3250 | $3450-$4600 |
| Shanghai | Tin Can Island | $2300-$3300 | $3500-$4500 |
| Shenzhen | Tin Can Island | $2600-$3500 | $3450-$4550 |
| Qingdao | Tin Can Island | $2550-$3500 | $3350-$4600 |
| Ningbo | Tin Can Island | $2450-$3500 | $3400-$4350 |
| Guangzhou | Tin Can Island | $2650-$3500 | $3500-$4600 |
Learn more: How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Nigeria
How to Optimize Shipping Based on Time and Cost
To optimize the process of transportation from China to Nigeria, both time and cost should be considered, which usually requires a comprehensive balance based on the specific situation
Choose the right mode of transportation
Choose the most appropriate mode of transportation based on the characteristics, timeliness and budget of the goods.
Choose the right port and airport
Choosing the right export port and destination port is crucial to improving transportation efficiency.
Rationally plan transportation routes and transit
There may be multiple links involved in transportation, including transit, warehousing, customs clearance, etc. Rationally planning these links can help save time and cost.
Choose the right logistics company and service
Choose the right logistics company to improve transportation efficiency and reduce costs. Different logistics companies vary in price, timeliness and service.
Pay attention to tariffs and customs clearance timeliness
Tariff policies, customs clearance speed and efficiency of procedures are key factors. There may be a certain degree of delay in import customs clearance in Nigeria.
Consider seasonal factors
Seasonal demand fluctuations, weather conditions and peak transportation periods can affect transportation time and cost.
Import Process from China to Nigeria
The basic process of importing from China to Nigeria includes the following steps:
Supplier selection
Determine the type, quantity and specifications of the imported products. Select a reputable Chinese supplier and conduct a background check
Sign a contract
Discuss price, delivery time, payment method, mode of transportation, etc. with the supplier. Make sure the contract terms are clear and include all necessary details
Select logistics and transportation methods
Choose the appropriate mode of transportation to transport the goods from China to Nigeria based on the timeliness and characteristics of the goods.
Customs clearance preparation
Perform import customs clearance in Nigeria and ensure that all necessary documents are submitted and tariffs are paid. Customs clearance documents:
- Bill of lading: Proof of delivery of goods to the carrier during sea transportation.
- Commercial invoice: Commodity price and transaction details.
- Packing list: Goods list, packaging details.
- Certificate of origin: Proof of the origin of the goods.
Pick up and transport
Pick up the goods after customs clearance at the Nigerian port and arrange for the transportation of the goods to the final destination.
Learn more: Customs Clearance and Fees
Transportation from China to Nigeria is affected by many factors. Through this article, you can understand the time and cost, optimize the transportation plan from China to Nigeria to the greatest extent, and ensure the safe arrival of goods.