Air Freight from Nigeria to 220 Countries – What You Need to Know

Nigeria is a major hub for air freight shipping to countries around the world. Whether you're a business exporting goods or sending personal items, here's everything you need to know about air freight from Nigeria.

Why Choose Air Freight from Nigeria?

Air freight offers fast, reliable shipping from Nigeria to over 220 countries worldwide. Nigeria's main airports in Lagos and Abuja connect to major cities across Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond.

Key Benefits

• Fast delivery: 1-7 days to most destinations
• Secure: Better security than other shipping methods
• Reliable: Airlines follow strict schedules
• Global reach: Connects to all continents

Main Nigerian Airports for Air Freight

Lagos (Murtala Muhammed International Airport)

Nigeria's busiest cargo airport, handling 80% of air freight. Direct flights to London, Dubai, Atlanta, Amsterdam, and other major cities.

Abuja (Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport)

Second main hub, especially for government and diplomatic cargo.

Other Airports

Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu also handle air freight, mainly for regional shipments.

Popular Destinations

North America: USA (New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta), Canada (Toronto, Vancouver)

Europe: UK (London), Germany (Frankfurt), France (Paris), Netherlands (Amsterdam)

Asia: China (Beijing, Shanghai), UAE (Dubai), India (Mumbai), Singapore, Japan (Tokyo)

Africa: South Africa (Johannesburg), Egypt (Cairo), Kenya (Nairobi), Ghana (Accra)

Oceania: Australia (Sydney), New Zealand (Auckland)

What Can You Ship?

Business Goods

• Electronics and phones
• Medicine and medical supplies
• Clothes and textiles
• Car parts
• Fresh food
• Important documents

Personal Items

• Household goods
• Personal documents
• Gifts
• Books and materials

How Much Does It Cost?

Air freight costs depend on:

• Weight and size of your shipment
• Distance to destination
• Type of goods (special items cost more)
• Season (holidays are more expensive)
• Fuel prices

Most companies charge by weight or volume, whichever costs more.

Required Documents

Basic Documents

• Invoice showing what you're shipping
• Packing list
• Air waybill (shipping receipt)
• Export license (if needed)
• Certificate of origin
• Insurance papers

Special Requirements

Some countries need extra documents like health certificates for food or import permits for certain goods.

How Long Does Shipping Take?

• Africa: 1-3 days
• Europe: 2-4 days
• North America: 3-5 days
• Asia: 2-5 days
• Australia/New Zealand: 4-7 days

Times may vary based on customs clearance and connecting flights.

Choosing a Freight Company

What to Look For

• Good reputation and reviews
• Strong airline partnerships
• Clear pricing with no hidden fees
• Online tracking systems
• Help with customs paperwork

Questions to Ask

• Which airlines do you use for my destination?
• Do you handle customs clearance?
• What insurance do you offer?
• Can you deliver door-to-door?
• What's your average delivery time?

Items You Cannot Ship

Prohibited Items:

• Explosives
• Flammable liquids
• Toxic chemicals
• Radioactive materials
• Certain batteries

Restricted Items (need special permits):

• Medicine
• Wildlife products
• Cultural items
• Gold and precious stones

Insurance Options

Types of Coverage

• Full coverage: Protects against most damage or loss
• Total loss only: Covers complete loss but not partial damage
• Door-to-door: Coverage from pickup to delivery

Always insure valuable shipments to protect against loss or damage.

Packaging Tips

• Use strong, lightweight boxes
• Add plenty of cushioning for fragile items
• Label boxes clearly
• Follow airline rules for special items
• Keep packaging as light as possible to save costs

Tracking Your Shipment

Most freight companies offer:

• Real-time tracking online
• Email and SMS updates
• Mobile apps for checking status
• Customer service support

Tips for Success

Before Shipping

• Get quotes from multiple companies
• Prepare all documents correctly
• Check destination country import rules
• Book early during busy seasons

During Shipping

• Keep copies of all papers
• Respond quickly to requests for information
• Track your shipment regularly
• Stay in contact with your freight company

Costs to Consider

Beyond shipping fees, budget for:

• Insurance
• Customs duties at destination
• Local delivery charges
• Storage fees if delayed
• Documentation fees

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking prohibited items lists
• Incomplete or wrong documentation
• Poor packaging leading to damage
• Not buying insurance for valuable items
• Choosing companies based on price alone

Future of Nigerian Air Freight

Nigeria continues to improve its airports and cargo facilities. New trade agreements in Africa and growing e-commerce will increase air freight opportunities. Technology improvements will make tracking and shipping even easier.

Getting Started

To ship air freight from Nigeria:

1. Get quotes from 3-5 freight companies
2. Compare services not just prices
3. Prepare your documents early
4. Package items properly
5. Buy insurance for valuable goods
6. Track your shipment throughout delivery

Air freight from Nigeria offers fast, reliable shipping to anywhere in the world. With proper planning and the right freight company, you can successfully ship goods to any of the 220+ countries served by Nigerian airports.