Which Ports Are the Top China-Nigeria Ports in DFH Logistics?

The major Chinese ports are Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nansha (Guangzhou), Ningbo-Zhoushan, and Qingdao.

• Port of Shanghai

Port of Shanghai is the world’s largest container port, with the highest density of shipping routes from China to West Africa.

• Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan

Ningbo is the distribution center for general merchandise and hardware in China. It supports the Yiwu Market trade network. In Lagos, most textiles, small appliances, and hardware tools are shipped from here.

• Port of Shenzhen (Yantian/Shekou)

The Port of Shenzhen mainly exports high-value cargo and consumer electronics. Smartphones such as Transsion and Huawei mostly depart from here.

• Port of Qingdao

The Port of Qingdao covers Northern China. It specializes in handling construction vehicles (such as dump trucks and excavators), steel products, and large-scale power equipment. Qingdao provides professional Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) and breakbulk services.

• Port of Guangzhou (Nansha)

Guangzhou is the traditional gateway for China-Africa trade. Most Nigerian traders are concentrated here. The freight rates are highly competitive. Nansha also supports LCL services for apparel, footwear, and auto spare parts.

The major Nigerian ports are Lagos, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and Onne.

• Port of Lagos

Lagos is the busiest port in West Africa. The port has two parts: Apapa and Tin Can Island Port. 

Apapa Port is connected to the inland states with the Lagos-Ibadan railway. Tin Can Island Port is for automobiles and heavy machinery. The cars can drive on and off the ship directly.

• Lekki Deep Sea Port

Lekki is the first automated deep-sea port in Nigeria. China took part in investing and building. It can accommodate the world’s largest container ships.

• Port of Onne

Onne is the logistics hub in eastern Nigeria. It has the largest oil and gas free zone in Africa. It serves the energy industry and southern cities such as  Port Harcourt.

How Long Does Customs Clearance Take at Nigerian Ports? 

What Are the Advantages of Lekki Port in China-Nigeria Shipments?

Ultra-Large Vessels Capacity

Lekki deep-sea port has a depth of 16.5 meters. It is one of the top-tier deep-sea ports that is capable of handling container ships up to 18,000 TEUs. This enables direct vessels from Shanghai or Ningbo to Nigeria. Without transshipment in neighboring countries, the total transit rate gets lower.

High Efficiency and Automation

Lekki Port was completed in 2022. It is equipped with advanced cranes and operating systems. This accelerates the loading and unloading process. You will receive your goods earlier and put them into the market faster due to a faster turnaround time.

Minimal Port Congestion Risks

Apapa and Tin Can have long-standing congestion issues. Vessels cannot berth immediately when they arrive at the port. Lekki Port offers immediate berthing on vessel arrival. You can save vessel demurrage costs and additional storage expenses by choosing the Lekki route.

Simplified Customs Procedure

With Chinese operational support, Lekki Port now provides one-stop services. It has set up dedicated fast-track inspection lanes for China’s bulk infrastructure equipment and high-tech electronics exports.

This port-park integrated model enhances efficiency. It greatly simplifies customs document reviews and cuts down unnecessary red tape. This enables your goods to pass customs much faster than other Nigerian ports.

Longer Free Storage and Container Usage Days

To attract Chinese cargo, Lekki Port often provides more favorable policies for direct Chinese sailings compared to Apapa Port. You can enjoy longer free storage and container detention days, and reduce overall logistics costs greatly.

How Long Does a Door-to-Door Shipment From China to Nigeria Take?

Does a DDP Quote Include All Fees From China to Nigeria?

Yes, we provide a transparent rate structure and guarantee no additional fees after the quote.

The DDP quote covers:

• Pick up from your Chinese suppliers
• Transit rates of border-to-border and inland delivery
• Export clearance in China
• Nigerian import duties and taxes
• Customs clearance arrangement, plus professional guidance for SONCAP and Form M documentation
• Port charges, including storage fees and standard terminal handling

(Quotes are typically valid for 7-14 days due to currency and freight market fluctuations. Import duties are calculated at the official exchange rate on the clearance date. Quoted duties are estimates based on current rates. )

How Much Is Shipping From China to Nigeria (2026 Updated)?

Here are references for sea freight, air freight, and international express in 2026. Transit rates will change based on season, fuel charges, and carrier policies. All quoted prices don’t include common extra fees such as BAF, EBS, and peak season surcharges.

Sea Freight

Air Freight

International Express

The transit rate is a reference for regular packaging in May 2026. If your goods contain batteries, branded logos, or special-shaped packaging, please contact our service team. We will provide a detailed quotation.

What Last-Mile Delivery Service in Nigeria Do You Offer?

Security-Enhanced Transport (Optional)

For high-value goods, DFH Logistics can arrange armed escort services through licensed private security firms authorized to operate in Nigeria. This service is available upon request for designated high-risk routes.

Intermodal Transport Options

• Rail and Heavy Trucking

Ideal for bulk goods and FCL shipments. It combines rail networks with heavy trucks to cover key inland destinations where rail is available and cost-effective.

• Small Trucks and Vans

Ideal for LCL and urgent air freight shipments. The vans and small trucks head straight to urban delivery hubs after customs clearance and soon reach your destination.

• Motorcycle Delivery

Major cities such as Lagos have traffic congestion. Motorcycle delivery is perfect for small parcels in busy urban environments, depending on local traffic regulations and route accessibility.

Pickup By Yourself (Not for DDP)

You can arrange pickup from our Lagos warehouse at Henry Carr St, Oba Akran, Ikeja. We offer short-term free storage after customs clearance. 

Nigeria Local Courier Partners

We partner with established couriers such as Courierplus, Kwik Delivery, and Red Star Express for last-mile delivery in Lagos. 

For destinations outside Lagos, we work with Annette Logistics and other trusted partners, all with years of cooperation.

What Documents Are Required for Customs Clearance in Nigeria?

Customs clearance in Nigeria is complicated. For easier understanding, we divide the documents into 2 types below.

Core Mandatory Documents

• e-Form M

This import declaration document is regulated by Nigeria’s Central Bank (CBN). Shipments that are valued over 1000 USD must go through this filing.

• PAAR

PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report) is the most essential document in customs clearance. It is issued through a joint system of Nigerian banks and customs authorities

• Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice must include detailed information on goods description, HS code, unit value, and total transaction value.

• Packing List

Record the weight, dimensions, quantity, and packaging method of each item in full detail.

• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

This document is the contract of carriage and proof of shipment. Information on the bill must match the commercial invoice and packing list exactly.

• CCVO (Combined Certificate of Value and Origin)

CCVO is required for regulated products since 2023 and must be issued before departure. It is used to confirm the cost of goods and the original country.

Regulatory and Supporting Documents

• SONCAP Certificate

It is required for regulated products, including electronics, machinery, and textiles, to ensure these products meet the Nigerian industrial standard. You need to obtain a Product Certificate (PC) first and apply to get the SONCAP Certificate (SC) before shipment.

• NAFDAC Permit

This permit is for food, drugs, cosmetics, and chemicals. It is issued by the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

• Marine Insurance Certificate

You need to buy a minimum insurance from a Nigerian insurance company for customs clearance. The insured amount is normally 110% of the CIF value.

For the DDP China-Nigeria Shipment, What Do I Need to Prepare for Customs Clearance?

Our DDP shipment covers most procedures in the total logistics process. Due to the strict regulation of Nigerian customs, except for goods descriptions and addresses, you still need to provide several pieces of information to us. 

There is one piece of information (TIN) you need to obtain by yourself. It is very simple. You only need to handle it one time, and we will guide you with it. 

For everything else, you just share your existing company and product information with us. And we will assist in processing the following import documents (e-Form M, Local Marine Insurance, NAFDAC, SONCAP) on your behalf.

All the detailed information will be provided by our service team right after your quote. The information below is only for a simple reference.

Information You Must Obtain Yourself

• TIN

Tax Identification Number (TIN) is the active tax ID registered with the Nigeria Customs. We will guide you through the registration process.

Files We Assist with

• e-Form M

e-Form M is the electronic declaration that was submitted via their local bank.

• Local Marine Insurance

You need to buy marine insurance from a Nigerian insurance company to apply for Form M. We suggest you purchase a minimum standard insurance policy from Nigerian insurance companies for customs clearance and an additional low-cost policy in China as a supplement. 

• NAFDAC and SONCAP licenses

They are permits for food, drugs, and manufactured goods (such as Textiles and Electrical products). You need to prepare them according to your cargo types.

Information for the Files

How to Obtain a TIN (Tax Identification Number) in Nigeria？

Do I Need an Import License From China to Nigeria Under DDP?

Is Insurance Necessary for My Shipment in China-Nigeria Transit? How Much Does It Cost?

Does My Product Need SONCAP or NAFDAC? How Do You Help?