AfricaShipping Heavy Equipment to Nigeria
Nigeria is Africa's largest economy and a major market for heavy equipment, driven by oil & gas operations, construction, mining, and agriculture. Our established networks ensure reliable delivery through Lagos and other key ports.
Main Ports
- Apapa Port (Lagos)
- Tin Can Island Port (Lagos)
- Onne Port
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
- Pre-Shipment Inspection
- Form M
Common Cargo
- Oil & Gas Equipment
- Excavators
- Generators
Main Ports in Nigeria
Apapa Port (Lagos)
Major Seaport
Tin Can Island Port (Lagos)
Major Seaport
Onne Port
Oil & Gas Hub
Port Harcourt
Industrial Port
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to Nigeria
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | Lagos (Tin Can / Apapa) | Container / RoRo | 20–35 days |
| Savannah, GA | Onne / Lagos | Breakbulk / Container | 18–30 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to Nigeria
We ship to Nigeria (Apapa Port (Lagos)) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 21-30 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for Nigeria
Vehicle charges are built up from import duty plus automotive levies and VAT and can total roughly 40–50% of the CIF value. Customs values against its VIN / Fair Market Value database, which is often above the invoice.
- Import Duty
- 20% (used passenger vehicles)
- VAT / Sales Tax
- 7.5%
- Other Taxes & Fees
- National Automotive Council (NAC) levy 15% (used) / 20% (new), a 4% FOB levy, plus smaller statutory charges
Source: Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) · Last verified: June 2026
Used Vehicle & Equipment Age Limits
The age limit is 12 years from the year of manufacture (in 2026, generally 2014 or newer). Vehicles over the limit can be refused entry or seized.
Source: Nigeria Customs Service · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
Equipment must comply with Nigerian standards. SONCAP certification may be required.
Pre-Shipment Inspection
Certain goods require pre-shipment inspection and Clean Report of Findings (CRF).
Form M
All imports require Form M registration with an authorized dealer bank.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for Nigeria
What makes Nigeria tricky
- Paperwork must be in place before shipping (Form M, SONCAP/VehCAP, PAAR) — Nigeria is unforgiving of documentation gaps.
- Apapa / Tin Can Island congestion and valuation disputes can extend clearance times significantly.
- A Form M must be opened at a Nigerian bank before shipment — a missing Form M is the leading cause of serious port delays.
- A SONCAP certificate (and the SON-NADDC VehCAP pre-shipment certification) is required before import; a PAAR is issued before clearance.
- Customs assesses duty against its VIN / Fair Market Value database, which is frequently higher than the invoice value.
Seasonality & Scheduling
Lagos port congestion and truck call-up (electronic access) constraints can lengthen container evacuation, particularly around year-end peaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get expert logistics support for your shipment to Nigeria. We handle customs, documentation, and delivery coordination.