A Step-by-Step Guide to Successful Container Shipping from Nigeria
Exporting from Nigeria Made Simple with Novoinno Exporting goods by sea from Nigeria requires precision, regulatory compliance, and seamless coordination across multiple stakeholders — including customs authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, and logistics providers.
At Novoinno, we simplify this process by providing end-to-end export support, ensuring your cargo moves efficiently from origin to destination.
This guide outlines the key stages of containerised export shipping from Nigeria, whether you're moving agro-products, industrial goods, or consumer cargo.
1. Request a Sea Freight Quotation
Start by obtaining a competitive and reliable freight quote.
Provide key shipment details:
Commodity type
Destination port
Cargo volume/weight
Preferred port of loading
2. Book Your Container
Once rates are confirmed, proceed with booking your shipment.
Key considerations:
Container type (20ft, 40ft, High Cube, Reefer, etc.)
Cargo suitability and handling requirements
Space availability with the shipping line
3. Arrange Container Pickup
The empty container must be picked up from the shipping line’s depot or designated terminal.
This can be done by:
Coordinating a trucking provider
Or arranging depot pickup directly
4. Confirm Booking & Container Allocation
Reconfirm your container details with the shipping line.
Ensure you receive:
Booking confirmation
Container release details
Required documentation for loading
This step ensures alignment before cargo loading begins.
5. Customs Pre-Examination Notification
Before loading, notify the Nigeria Customs Service of your export plan.
You may:
Schedule a physical inspection
Or provide video/photo evidence of cargo
6. Customs Clearance Process
Option A: Full Compliance (Recommended) For a secure and compliant export process:
Register and process your Form NXP through an authorised bank
Undergo customs examination
Obtain Clean Certificate of Inspection (CCI)
Submit your Single Goods Declaration (SGD)
Pay duties (if applicable)
Secure approvals from relevant agencies (NAFDAC, SON, Quarantine, etc.)
✔ This ensures full legal protection and smooth international trade operations
Option B: Informal Clearance (Not Recommended) Some exporters opt for alternative clearance routes without Form NXP.
⚠️ This approach:
Lacks regulatory protection
Increases risk exposure
Is not suitable for structured or long-term export operations
📌 Need guidance on export compliance? Novoinno ensures full regulatory alignment.
7. Terminal Clearance & Container Sealing
Once cleared:
Obtain “To Go” authorization from Customs
Move cargo to the export terminal (e.g., Lilypond Terminal)
Terminal conducts cargo assessment
Nigeria Customs seals the container
8. Trucking to Port of Loading
The sealed container is transported to the final port terminal (e.g., Apapa or Tin Can).
At the port:
Terminal issues a Terminal Debit Note (TDN)
Charges are processed
Documentation is submitted to the shipping line
9. Shipping Documentation & Bill of Lading
Submit the required documents:
- Shipper details
- Consignee details
- Packing list
- Commercial invoice The shipping line will:
Issue a Draft Bill of Lading (BL)
Upon approval, issue a Freight Invoice
Release the Original Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill after payment
Novoinno ensures: ✔ Accuracy in documentation ✔ Faster processing timelines
- Delivery of Shipping Documents Send the shipping documents to your consignee via:
Email (for Sea Waybill)
Courier (for Original Bill of Lading)
These documents are required for cargo clearance at destination.
Additional Export Considerations Export Contracts Clearly define trade terms using Incoterms (FOB, CIF, etc.)
Regulatory Approvals Depending on cargo type, approvals may be required from:
- NAFDAC
- SON
- NESREA
- Quarantine Services
- Cargo Insurance Protect your shipment against:
Damage
Loss
Transit delays
Banking Compliance Ensure export proceeds comply with CBN regulations
Export Incentives Register with NEPC to access programs such as:
Export Expansion Grant (EEG)
Export with Confidence — Partner with Novoinno Exporting from Nigeria doesn’t have to be complex.
With Novoinno, you get: ✔ End-to-end export logistics support ✔ Customs clearance expertise ✔ Documentation accuracy ✔ Reliable freight coordination ✔ Real-time shipment visibility
We don’t just move cargo — we ensure your exports move efficiently, compliantly, and profitably.
Start Your Export Journey Today 📞 +234 703 706 7376 📧 support@novoinno.com
Request a free export consultation and quotation today.
