Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 07 2026
How Much Does Shipping a Container To Nigeria Cost?
When it comes to international shipping, there are various stumbling obstacles to overcome, especially if you've never done it before. Each country is governed by its own set of laws. You don't have to be concerned, though, since Three Movers is an international shipping company here to help you. We ship containers to nations worldwide, including Nigeria, and you can choose from any of our affordable shipping packages.
To find out how much this operation will cost, you'll need to get a quote, which is completely free. However, there are a few things to keep in mind first.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Hauling
There are various factors to consider when shipping it abroad. In general, there are five main elements to consider. The specifics are as follows:
- The volume and weight of your cargo
- The mode of transportation
- The time it will take for your package to be delivered.
- Charges that must be paid at the port of arrival
- The season (the time of the year)
Which Size of Container Works Best for Me?
The 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers are the most common sizes used for transportation. A three-bedroom apartment can fit into a 20-foot container, whereas four-to-five-bedroom belongings can fit into a 40-foot container). If you have many items to ship, you should go for the 40-foot. After all, it is not double the price of the 20-foot container despite its bigger capacity.
Difference Between FCL and LCL
If your shipment is large enough to fill a shipping container, shipping time will be reduced because the container can be loaded with your goods rapidly. That means you can start utilizing it before it's full. Groupage (sharing a container) could be the best option if you have a small load and plenty of time to spare. This is the cheapest way to travel but also takes the longest. "Less than a container load" (LCL) is another term for groupage.
A volume larger than this, on the other hand, will require the full use of the container, which is called a "full container load" (FCL).
Average Container Moving Rates Estimates
FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets, and anything requiring full container shipping to Nigeria of up to 45,000 lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft | $1630 |
| 40 ft | $1720 |
LCL shipping is a more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Nigeria.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $90/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $520 |
| Household Goods | $625 |
International House moving to Nigeria services - quick, easy, and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $725 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $2260 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $3065 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $4260 |
International auto transport services to Nigeria via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, boats, RVs, heavy equipment, and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $1825 |
| SUV (Container) | $1865 |
| Sedan via RORO | $1020 |
| SUV via RORO | $1140 |
Understanding the Different Types of Freight Transportation
Depending on your products, suppliers, and trade habits, you may need a single mode of freight transportation or a combination of shipping methods to deliver your cargo to its destination. Goods can be shipped to Nigeria and West Africa by sea, air, rail, or road (truck). The majority of individuals, however, go by air or sea freight. We recommend air freight if you want your items to arrive on time. Regarding economics, though, sea freight is the best alternative.
Furthermore, because it can handle larger goods than air freight, sea freight transportation is considered Nigeria's most advantageous mode of transport. However, don't let this information fool you; air freight transportation is dependable.
Door-to-door and/or port-to-port services may be available, and you must select the option that best suits your needs.
Additional Shipping Costs
When exporting goods to Nigeria, you may face additional expenses, such as:
- Custom duties
- Container inspection fees
- General Rate Increase
- Inland terminal delivery charges
- Quarantine fees
- Insurance
- Nigerian VAT (7.5%)
Only imported goods are subject to customs taxes in Nigeria. Rates range from 5% to 35% for various commodities and are calculated using the current Harmonized Commodity and Coding System (HS code).
Relevant Statistics
- Over 10,000 containers are transported to Nigeria each month.
- The average cost of relocating is $3,500.
- Approximately 85% of all imported goods in Nigeria arrive through shipping containers.
- It takes an average of 20 days for a shipping container to reach its destination in Nigeria.
- Nigerian ports handle more than 1.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of shipping containers annually.
General Facts
- Nigeria is a major destination for moving container imports in Africa.
- The Port of Lagos is Nigeria's largest and busiest port for container shipments.
- Maritime transportation is the most common way to ship a container to Nigeria.
- Freight forwarders and shipping companies can assist with the logistics of shipping containers to Nigeria.
- It is important to comply with customs regulations and provide proper documentation when shipping a container to Nigeria.
What's Next?
Now that you've learned everything about shipping a container to Nigeria, you'd need a quote to get started. We can give you a free, comprehensive quote if you are shipping to Tincan Island Apapa, Port Harcourt, or Onne Port, Nigeria. Fill out our web form or give us a call at (888) 202-0036.
Find Cargo Containers For Freight Transport & Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of shipping a container to Nigeria typically ranges from $2,800–$4,800 for a 20ft container and $4,200–$7,200 for a 40ft container. Pricing is driven by origin country, container size, FCL vs LCL, port congestion in Lagos, fuel surcharges, and seasonal demand. U.S. East Coast routes are usually cheaper than West Coast lanes. Customs clearance, inland delivery, and insurance are billed separately in most quotes.
Shipping a 40ft container from the USA to Nigeria usually costs $4,500–$7,200. East Coast ports like Houston, Savannah, or Newark offer lower base rates than Los Angeles. Final pricing depends on cargo weight, exclusive FCL use, terminal handling charges, and Nigerian port fees. Transit times average 25–40 days, excluding customs clearance and delivery. Rates fluctuate with fuel prices and peak shipping seasons. Learn more about international moving costs.
The cost of shipping a container from China to Nigeria typically runs $3,200–$5,800 for 40ft containers, depending on the Chinese port of origin. Shanghai and Ningbo routes are usually more competitive than inland ports. Pricing is affected by container availability, ocean freight demand, and port congestion in Lagos and Tin Can Island. Transit times average 35–50 days, with customs and demurrage fees added locally.
A 20ft container is cheaper upfront, but a 40ft container offers better value per cubic foot. On average, a 40ft container costs 30–45% more than a 20ft while holding nearly double the cargo. For household moves or commercial shipments over 800–900 cubic feet, a 40ft FCL shipment is usually more cost-efficient. Smaller loads may benefit from consolidation through international overseas moving tips.
Container shipping prices to Nigeria are influenced by container size, origin country, FCL vs LCL, cargo type, fuel surcharges, port congestion, and Nigerian customs procedures. Lagos-area ports experience frequent delays, which can increase demurrage costs. Weather disruptions, global container shortages, and peak shipping periods also affect rates. Inland delivery distance and terminal handling fees are commonly excluded from base quotes.
Transit times to Nigeria average 25–40 days from the USA and 35–50 days from Asia. FCL shipments move faster because containers are sealed and unloaded once. LCL shipments take longer due to consolidation and deconsolidation at multiple ports. Nigerian customs clearance can add 7–14 days, especially during peak seasons. Door-to-door timelines should always account for port delays and inspections, as outlined in moving overseas shipping costs.
Yes, all containers entering Nigeria require customs clearance through the Nigeria Customs Service. Importers must handle duty assessment, documentation review, and physical inspections before release. Many shippers use freight forwarders or full-service providers to manage this process and avoid costly delays. Clearance fees are separate from ocean freight charges. For regulated international moves, review options under interstate moving service.
