Export Guide from Nigeria by Sea

A Step-by-Step Process; professional, easy-to-follow export Guide for Successful Container Shipping from Nigeria to the World.

Exporting goods by sea from Nigeria requires precision, compliance, and timely coordination with multiple stakeholders; including customs, terminals, and shipping lines. This guide walks you through the key stages of the process, whether you're exporting agro-products, industrial materials, or consumer goods.

1. Request Sea Freight Quote

Contact a reputable shipping company for a Sea Freight Rate.
Provide shipment details (commodity, destination, volume/weight, preferred port).
Compare rates, transit times, and service reliability before choosing.

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2. Book a Container

Proceed to book your container with your selected shipping line.
Confirm container size (20ft, 40ft, HC, reefer, etc.).
Request availability and secure booking reference.

3. Arrange Container Pickup

Coordinate a truck to pick up the empty container from the shipping company’s depot or designated terminal.
Alternatively, locate the container yourself from their authorized depot.

4. Confirm Booking

Re-confirm your container assignment with the shipping line.
Get documentation of your booking for loading and customs purposes.

5. Customs Pre-Examination Notification

Notify a Nigeria Customs export examiner of the intended loading location and date.
Schedule an in-person examination or prepare a video/photo inspection record as evidence of export content.

6. Customs Clearance Process

Option A: Full Compliance with FORM NXP

Register and submit your FORM NXP through an authorized bank.
Upon examination, Nigeria Customs issues a Clean Certificate of Inspection (CCI).
Prepare and submit your Single Goods Declaration (SGD).
If the export item is dutiable, make required duty payments.
Obtain clearance from relevant government agencies (e.g., NAFDAC, SON, Quarantine).

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Option B: Compromise Clearance (No Form NXP)

Exporter opts to proceed with informal clearance — note this lacks full legal protection and is not recommended for long-term operations or high-value cargo.

7. Clearance and Sealing at Terminal

Obtain the "To Go" authorization from Nigeria Customs for the loaded container to be moved to Lilypond Terminal (or designated export terminal).
Terminal conducts assessment and Nigeria Customs seals the container after documentation.

8. Trucking to Port of Loading

Move the container to the final port terminal (e.g., Tin Can, Apapa).
The port issues a Terminal Debit Note (charges for container handling).
Submit documentation and settle charges with the shipping line.

9. Documentation for Shipment

Prepare and submit the following to the shipping company:

Shipper’s full details
Consignee’s full details
Packing list
Commercial invoice

The shipping line will then:

Issue a draft Bill of Lading (BL) for your review.
Upon your approval, issue a Freight Debit Note.
Once payment is confirmed, release the Original Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill.

10. Delivery of Shipping Documents

Send the Original BL (or SBL) to your consignee via email or international courier.
Consignee uses this to receive goods at the destination port.

Additional Considerations

Export Contract Agreement: Ensure your buyer/seller agreement includes Incoterms (FOB, CIF, etc.).
Regulatory Approvals: Depending on the goods, get approvals from SON, NAFDAC, NESREA, or others.
Insurance: Consider insuring the cargo for damage, loss, or delay.
Banking Compliance: Ensure your proceeds repatriation complies with CBN export guidelines.
Export Incentives: Register with NEPC to access export incentives like the Export Expansion Grant (EEG).

Let Valuehandlers Handle Your Export with Ease

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