Shipping from Dubai
to Nigeria.
We move cargo to Nigeria from Dubai every week, by sea and by air. We ship business and personal cargo. Send a few boxes, a pallet, a full container, or a whole house move. We pick it up anywhere in the UAE, do the customs paperwork at both ends, and bring it to your door in Nigeria.
Overview
Sea and air freight
to Nigeria.
Shipping from Dubai to Nigeria takes about 18 to 35 days by sea, and 2 to 6 days by air. Sea is cheaper, and most cargo goes that way: furniture, building materials, machines, generators, cars and food. Air costs more but arrives in under a week. It is best for urgent things: spare parts, electronics like phones and laptops, medicine and samples. You can send one pallet or a whole container. We cover every sea port, airport and city in Nigeria. Navo Shipping handles the sea freight, air freight and customs clearance on the Dubai to Nigeria route, door to door. Tell us what you are sending, how heavy it is, and where it is going, and we will tell you which way is cheaper. Shipping to Nigeria is one of the routes we run most, so we know it well.
Ports and gateways
Sea ports and airports
we ship to from Dubai.
Every bill of lading carries two ports: where the cargo loads, and where it discharges. We load at Jebel Ali or another UAE port. Nigeria has seven sea ports we use and four airports. They suit different cargo and different inland legs, so the loading port and the discharge port are worth choosing separately.
POLPort of loading
We collect anywhere in the UAE, free zones included, and load at whichever of these eight suits the cargo.
- Jebel AliAEJEA
- Port RashidAEPRA
- Khalifa PortAEKHL
- Zayed PortAEAUH
- Port KhalidAESHJ
- Khor FakkanAEKLF
- Port of FujairahAEFJR
- Ajman PortAEAJM
PODPort of discharge
The right one is whichever leaves the shortest inland leg to your delivery address. On a long lane that leg is a shipment in its own right, so it is planned rather than assumed.
- Lagos (Apapa)NGLOSSea port · Gulf of GuineaLagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta and the southwest, plus road and rail on to Abuja, Kaduna and Kano
How cargo reaches Lagos (Apapa)
Shipping from Dubai to Lagos can use a confirmed suitable vessel booking into Apapa, normally with a West African relay after live Upper Gulf and vessel checks. Times vary from ship to ship, so we confirm the days when we quote. Tin Can Island is the practical alternative when terminal capability, congestion or the final inland destination changes the route. The quote combines ocean freight, relay charges, terminal handling, customs formalities, security checks and inland delivery. Get a rate for Lagos (Apapa) - Tin Can Island, LagosNGTINSea port · Gulf of GuineaLagos and the southwest. Our usual terminal for cars and vehicles
How cargo reaches Tin Can Island, Lagos
Shipping from Dubai to Tin Can Island can use a confirmed suitable vessel booking, normally with a West African relay after live Upper Gulf and vessel checks. Times vary from ship to ship, so we confirm the days when we quote. Lekki Deep Sea Port is the practical alternative when terminal capability, congestion or the final inland destination changes the route. The quote combines ocean freight, relay charges, terminal handling, customs formalities, security checks and inland delivery. Get a rate for Tin Can Island, Lagos - Lekki Deep Sea PortSea port · Gulf of GuineaLagos, Lekki and Epe. Newer and less busy than Apapa, so often the quicker way into Lagos
How cargo reaches Lekki Deep Sea Port
Shipping from Dubai to Lekki Deep Sea Port can use a confirmed suitable vessel booking, normally with a West African relay after live Upper Gulf and vessel checks. Times vary from ship to ship, so we confirm the days when we quote. Onne is the practical alternative when terminal capability, congestion or the final inland destination changes the route. The quote combines ocean freight, relay charges, terminal handling, customs formalities, security checks and inland delivery. Get a rate for Lekki Deep Sea Port - OnneNGONNSea port · Bonny RiverPort Harcourt, Aba, Owerri, Onitsha and the oil and gas free zone. Our best route to the east
How cargo reaches Onne
Shipping from Dubai to Onne can use a confirmed suitable vessel booking, normally with a West African relay after live Upper Gulf and vessel checks. Times vary from ship to ship, so we confirm the days when we quote. Port Harcourt is the practical alternative when terminal capability, congestion or the final inland destination changes the route. The quote combines ocean freight, relay charges, terminal handling, customs formalities, security checks and inland delivery. Get a rate for Onne - Port HarcourtNGPHCSea port · Bonny RiverPort Harcourt city, Rivers State and the eastern Niger delta
How cargo reaches Port Harcourt
Shipping from Dubai to Port Harcourt can use a confirmed suitable vessel booking, normally with a West African relay after live Upper Gulf and vessel checks. Times vary from ship to ship, so we confirm the days when we quote. Warri is the practical alternative when terminal capability, congestion or the final inland destination changes the route. The quote combines ocean freight, relay charges, terminal handling, customs formalities, security checks and inland delivery. Get a rate for Port Harcourt - WarriNGWARSea port · Niger deltaWarri, Sapele, Asaba and Delta State. Good for bulk, machinery and project cargo
How cargo reaches Warri
Shipping from Dubai to Warri needs a specialist vessel and terminal booking, because dependable inbound container service is not established for this gateway. Times vary from ship to ship, so we confirm the days when we quote. Lagos is the practical alternative for routine containers, while Warri may suit approved bulk, industrial or coastal cargo. The quote combines ocean freight, relay charges, terminal handling, customs formalities, security checks and inland delivery. Get a rate for Warri - CalabarNGCBQSea port · Cross RiverCalabar, Uyo, Aba and the southeast, and the Cameroon border trade
How cargo reaches Calabar
Shipping from Dubai to Calabar needs a specialist vessel and terminal booking, because dependable inbound container service is not established for this gateway. Times vary from ship to ship, so we confirm the days when we quote. Lagos is the practical alternative for routine containers, while Calabar may suit approved bulk, industrial or coastal cargo. The quote combines ocean freight, relay charges, terminal handling, customs formalities, security checks and inland delivery. Get a rate for Calabar - Murtala Muhammed International, LagosLOSAirportLagos, Ibadan and the southwest. Our main air gateway, with the most flights from Dubai
How cargo reaches Murtala Muhammed International, Lagos
Air freight from Dubai to Murtala Muhammed International can use accepted connecting capacity, with direct uplift confirmed live, subject to commodity, space, security and local cargo handling approval. Times vary from flight to flight, so we confirm the days when we quote. Nnamdi Azikiwe International, Abuja is the alternative when the booked flight or destination handling cannot accept the shipment. The quote combines air freight, security screening, handling, clearance and final delivery. Get a rate for Murtala Muhammed International, Lagos - Nnamdi Azikiwe International, AbujaABVAirportAbuja, Jos, Lokoja, Minna and central Nigeria. The fastest way to the capital
How cargo reaches Nnamdi Azikiwe International, Abuja
Air freight from Dubai to Nnamdi Azikiwe International can use accepted connecting capacity, with direct uplift confirmed live, subject to commodity, space, security and local cargo handling approval. Times vary from flight to flight, so we confirm the days when we quote. Port Harcourt International is the alternative when the booked flight or destination handling cannot accept the shipment. The quote combines air freight, security screening, handling, clearance and final delivery. Get a rate for Nnamdi Azikiwe International, Abuja - Port Harcourt InternationalPHCAirportPort Harcourt, Aba, Owerri, Uyo and the oil and gas belt
How cargo reaches Port Harcourt International
Air freight from Dubai to Port Harcourt International can use accepted connecting capacity, with direct uplift confirmed live, subject to commodity, space, security and local cargo handling approval. Times vary from flight to flight, so we confirm the days when we quote. Mallam Aminu Kano International is the alternative when the booked flight or destination handling cannot accept the shipment. The quote combines air freight, security screening, handling, clearance and final delivery. Get a rate for Port Harcourt International - Mallam Aminu Kano InternationalKANAirportKano, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Maiduguri and the whole north
How cargo reaches Mallam Aminu Kano International
Air freight from Dubai to Mallam Aminu Kano International can use accepted connecting capacity, with direct uplift confirmed live, subject to commodity, space, security and local cargo handling approval. Times vary from flight to flight, so we confirm the days when we quote. Murtala Muhammed International, Lagos is the alternative when the booked flight or destination handling cannot accept the shipment. The quote combines air freight, security screening, handling, clearance and final delivery. Get a rate for Mallam Aminu Kano International - Kaduna Inland Dry PortDry portKaduna, Kano, Zaria and the north. Cargo moves up from Lagos and clears here, close to you
How cargo reaches Kaduna Inland Dry Port
Shipping from Dubai to the Kaduna Inland Dry Port can enter through Lagos, then continue under customs transit by road or available rail to Kaduna. Times vary from ship to ship, so we confirm the days when we quote. Lagos port clearance is the alternative when inland terminal acceptance, rail capacity or final delivery makes direct clearance more practical. The quote combines ocean freight, port and inland terminal handling, road or rail transfer, clearance and final delivery. Get a rate for Kaduna Inland Dry Port - Seme land portLand borderThe Benin Republic border west of Lagos, for regional road cargo
How cargo reaches Seme land port
Shipping from Dubai to Seme land port can enter through Lagos, then continue under a confirmed customs transit and road security plan to the crossing. Border and convoy times vary, so we confirm the days when we quote. Jibiya land port is the alternative when border status, congestion, security or the final destination changes the corridor. The quote combines the international leg, trucking, transit guarantees, border handling, security, clearance and final delivery. Get a rate for Seme land port - Jibiya land portLand borderThe Niger Republic border north of Katsina, for regional road cargo
How cargo reaches Jibiya land port
Shipping from Dubai to Jibiya land port can enter through Lagos, then continue under a confirmed customs transit and road security plan to the crossing. Border and convoy times vary, so we confirm the days when we quote. Seme land port is the alternative when border status, congestion, security or the final destination changes the corridor. The quote combines the international leg, trucking, transit guarantees, border handling, security, clearance and final delivery. Get a rate for Jibiya land port
- Lagos (Apapa)NGLOSSea port · Gulf of GuineaLagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta and the southwest, plus road and rail on to Abuja, Kaduna and Kano
Before you ship
Import rules
for Nigeria.
Nigeria wants two things done before your goods leave Dubai. We take care of both with you. First, your buyer opens a form at their bank in Nigeria. It is called a Form M. It is quick, but it must be done before the goods sail. Second, some products need a safety certificate called SONCAP. It is checked and issued here in Dubai, so we arrange it when we book. Many products do not need it at all. When the goods land, Nigerian customs check the papers and release them. Just tell us what you are sending. We will check what you need and start it for you.
Documentation
Documents you need
for Nigeria.
These 8 cover most shipments to Nigeria. The exact list depends on the commodity and its HS code, so send us both and we confirm what applies before the cargo is booked.
- 01Invoice showing what you paid for the goods
- 02Packing list showing what is inside
- 03Certificate of origin showing where the goods were made
- 04Bill of lading or air waybill, which is the shipping ticket
- 05Dubai export paper, which we do for you
- 06Form M, which your buyer opens at their bank in Nigeria
- 07SONCAP safety certificate, which we arrange if your product needs one
- 08PAAR, which Nigerian customs issue when the goods land
Get the paperwork right in Dubai and clearance at destination is routine. Fixing a document after arrival is slow, and storage accrues the whole time it takes.
How it works
Dubai to Nigeria
shipping, step by step.
Send the cargo details: what it is, where it is going, rough weight and dimensions. We come back with the routes that suit it, sea against air, and a written rate with a validity date on it. You pick one, we book it, and one coordinator stays with the shipment until it is delivered in Nigeria.
- 01
Send the details
Tell us what you are sending, how heavy it is, how big it is, and which city it goes to.
- 02
Get a price
We send you a price in writing, with every charge shown. No surprises later.
- 03
We book and clear
We collect the goods, load them, and handle the papers in Dubai and in Nigeria.
- 04
We deliver
We track the shipment and keep you updated all the way, then bring the goods to your door.
Questions
Cargo to Nigeria
questions, answered.
The 15 we are asked most on the Dubai to Nigeria route. If yours is not here, send it with the commodity and we will answer it directly.
Do you offer movers and packers for a house move from Dubai to Nigeria?
Yes. Our movers and packers do the packing, wrapping and listing, then we ship your furniture and household goods in a full container, or share one if you have less to send. The item by item list matters, because customs clear personal effects against it. Fuel, gas cylinders, paint, aerosols and loose batteries cannot travel, and we give you the full list before packing day.
How long does shipping from Dubai to Nigeria take?
About 18 to 35 days by sea, and 2 to 6 days by air. Sea takes longer because the ship sails all the way around West Africa. Then add a few days for customs and delivery to your city. We give you a date in writing when we quote.
How much does shipping from Dubai to Nigeria cost?
It depends on what you send, how big it is, and which city it goes to. We do not publish prices because every shipment is different. Send us the details and we send you a price in writing, usually the same day.
Which cities in Nigeria do you deliver to?
All of them. Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Kaduna, Onitsha, Aba, Enugu, Jos, Warri, Calabar, Uyo, Owerri, Maiduguri, Zaria, Sokoto and Katsina. Just give us the address and we bring it to the door.
Which Nigerian ports do you ship to?
By sea we go to Lagos, where the terminals are Apapa, Tin Can Island and Lekki. We also go to Onne, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar. By air we fly to Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano. We pick the one closest to you.
Can you deliver to Abuja, Kano and northern Nigeria?
Yes. We can fly straight in, or send it by sea to Lagos and move the container north to Kaduna, where it clears close to you. That is usually easier and cheaper for Kano, Kaduna, Zaria, Katsina and Maiduguri.
Can you deliver to Port Harcourt and eastern Nigeria?
Yes. For Port Harcourt, Aba, Owerri, Onitsha and Uyo we usually ship into Onne or Port Harcourt instead of Lagos. The road trip at the other end is shorter, and it keeps your goods out of Lagos traffic.
Do you deliver door to door?
Yes. We handle freight forwarding to Nigeria door to door. We collect the goods in Dubai, ship them, clear them through customs, and bring them to your address in Nigeria. You deal with one company for the whole journey.
Can I send a small shipment, or do I need a full container?
You can send as little as one box or one pallet. We put small shipments from different customers into one shared container. This is called LCL, or less than container load. Your goods load at Jebel Ali and come into Lagos (Apapa). When you have more goods, you move up to your own full container, which is called FCL. We will tell you which one is cheaper.
Can you ship a car from Dubai to Nigeria?
Yes. We ship cars inside containers and on roll-on roll-off vessels, mostly through Tin Can Island in Lagos. Check one thing first: Nigeria does not allow used cars over twelve years old. Send us the chassis number and we will check the car is allowed before you buy it.
What is a Form M?
It is a form your buyer fills in at their bank in Nigeria. It is simple, but it must be done before the goods leave Dubai. So we always check it is done before we load. If your buyer has imported before, they will already know it.
What is SONCAP, and does my product need it?
SONCAP is a safety certificate for some products going into Nigeria. Many products do not need one. If yours does, it is checked and issued here in Dubai and we arrange it. Send us the product and we will check for you.
Do you handle customs clearance in Nigeria?
Yes, in Dubai and in Nigeria. We do the export papers here, and our agent in Nigeria clears the goods and gets them released. You do not need to find your own clearing agent.
Can you collect the goods from my supplier in Dubai?
Yes. We collect anywhere in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE. We can also hold your goods in warehousing and storage in Dubai until you are ready to ship. That helps when you are buying from several suppliers and want everything to travel to Lagos (Apapa) in one container. That helps if you are buying from a few different suppliers.
Can you ship machinery, generators and heavy equipment to Nigeria?
Yes. We move project cargo to Nigeria as well. Big, heavy items go in open top or flat rack containers, or loose on the ship into Lagos (Apapa). Onne and Warri are good ports for this. Send us the size and weight and we will work out the best way to move it.
Ready to ship from Dubai
to Nigeria?
Send the commodity and its HS code, the weight and dimensions, and the delivery address. We confirm what Nigeria checks before you ship, then the routing options, then a written rate with a validity date on it.
- Written rates
- One coordinator
- Customs handled in house
- UAE-wide collection
