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Updated April 2026
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Shipping to Nigeria

Whether you're sending gifts to family or shipping ahead of your trip, here's everything you need to know about getting packages to Nigeria safely and affordably.

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Best courier services to Nigeria

DHL Express

3-5 days£45/5kg
Pros: Fastest, most reliable, excellent tracking
Cons: Expensive, customs fees on top
Best for: Urgent documents and high-value items

FedEx International

4-7 days£40/5kg
Pros: Good tracking, competitive on heavy packages
Cons: Customs clearance can be slow
Best for: Heavy packages, business shipments

UPS Worldwide

5-7 days£50/5kg
Pros: Reliable, good for commercial shipments
Cons: More expensive, fewer Nigeria drop-off points
Best for: Commercial goods, bulk shipments

Royal Mail / USPS / Canada Post

2-4 weeks£20/5kg
Pros: Cheapest option, familiar service
Cons: Slow, tracking stops at Nigerian border
Best for: Non-urgent, low-value gifts

African courier specialists

7-14 days£25/5kg
Pros: Good value, Nigeria expertise, sea freight options
Cons: Less well-known, variable quality
Best for: Diaspora sending large shipments, barrels
Important

Nigerian customs — what you need to know

Duty rates

Expect 20-35% customs duty on most commercial goods. Electronics, clothing, and food are commonly taxed. Personal effects may be exempt below $50.

Common delays

Customs clearance takes 2-5 days on average. Packages with incorrect or vague declarations get held longer. Be honest and specific about contents and values.

Insurance

Always insure valuable shipments. Nigerian postal infrastructure is improving but theft during transit still occurs. DHL and FedEx include basic insurance.

Who pays duties?

The recipient in Nigeria usually pays customs duties at collection. Warn them in advance. Some couriers offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) where you pay upfront.

Pro tips

Shipping to Nigeria — insider tips

Pack smart

Double-box valuable items. Use sealed packaging. Take photos before shipping. Keep receipts for insurance claims.

Declare honestly

Under-declaring to avoid customs duty risks confiscation. Declare accurately — it protects you if the package is lost or damaged.

Sea freight for bulk

Shipping a barrel or large items? Sea freight costs 60-70% less than air. Takes 6-8 weeks but worth it for heavy shipments.

Track everything

Never ship without tracking. Share the tracking number with your recipient. Check daily as it approaches Nigeria customs.

Common questions

Shipping FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shipping to Nigeria take?+
Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) take 3-7 business days. Economy services take 2-4 weeks. African specialist couriers (ACE, Parcelforce) take 7-14 days. Customs clearance can add 2-5 days.
How much does it cost to ship to Nigeria?+
A 5kg package from the UK costs £40-80 via DHL/FedEx (express) or £20-40 via economy. From the US, expect $50-120 for express. Prices vary by weight, dimensions, and speed.
What can't I ship to Nigeria?+
Prohibited items include weapons, drugs, pornography, and counterfeit goods. Restricted items include electronics over certain values (may attract high duties), used clothing in commercial quantities, and food items. Check Nigerian customs regulations before shipping.
Will I have to pay customs duty?+
Yes, for commercial shipments and gifts above certain values. Personal effects and gifts under $50 may be exempt. Electronics, clothing, and food commonly attract duty of 20-35%. The recipient usually pays customs duty on arrival.
What's the best courier for shipping to Nigeria?+
DHL is the most reliable and fastest, but expensive. For value, try African specialist couriers or sea freight for heavy items. Always get tracking and insurance for valuable shipments.
Can I ship a phone or laptop to Nigeria?+
Yes, but declare it honestly. Electronics attract customs duty (typically 20-30% of value). Ship with insurance and tracking. Used personal items may be treated differently than new goods — include a note saying 'used personal item, no commercial value.'

Sending money instead of packages? It's often easier and cheaper.

Best ways to send money to Nigeria

Prices are estimates and may vary. Always check the courier's website for current rates.