SHIPPING PROCEDURE FROM VIETNAM TO NIGERIA

Nigeria – officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria – is located in West Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. The country covers an area of approximately 923,769 km², has a population of over 220 million (the largest in Africa), and is the continent’s largest economy thanks to its oil, gas, agriculture, and service industries.
Geographical location of Nigeria:
  • North: Niger
  • East: Chad and Cameroon
  • West: Benin
  • South: Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea) with a coastline of about 853 km
With modern international seaports and a strategic location in West Africa, Nigeria serves as a major trade gateway connecting Africa with Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It is a promising market for Vietnamese businesses, especially in the export of agricultural products, consumer goods, machinery, and construction materials.
 

Unicorn Logistics invites you to explore the SHIPPING PROCEDURE FROM VIETNAM TO NIGERIA. If you are looking for a reliable shipping partner from China to Vietnam, explore our services. Unicorn Logistics is a professional logistics and freight forwarding provider, committed to competitive rates, reliability, and fast delivery. Contact us at Eric@unicornlogs.com / +84 907 256 567 (Mr. Bắc– Eric, Sales Director) for expert consultation and support.

⚓ 1. Major Seaports in Nigeria

🚢 Lagos Port
  • Location: Lagos City – Nigeria’s largest economic and commercial hub
  • Features: The largest port complex in Nigeria, handling over 80% of the country’s import and export container traffic. Capable of receiving large container vessels and bulk carriers.
  • Capacity: Over 1.5 million TEUs/year
  • Management: Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in collaboration with private operators

🚢 Onne Port
  • Location: Rivers State, near Port Harcourt
  • Features: Deep-water port specializing in the oil and gas industry and containerized cargo, with a modern logistics zone.

🚢 Calabar Port
  • Location: Cross River State
  • Features: Smaller port serving the southeastern trade region and connecting with Cameroon.
 

🚛 2. Shipping Methods from Vietnam

Sea Freight (most common):
  • FCL (Full Container Load): For large-volume shipments in full containers
  • LCL (Less than Container Load): For smaller shipments consolidated into shared containers
Air Freight:
  • Suitable for urgent, high-value, or lightweight goods such as electronic components, medical equipment, and samples
  • Main Airports: Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos) and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja)

⏱️ 3. Transit Time & Shipping Routes

Sea Freight:
  • Transit time from Vietnam (Cat Lai – Ho Chi Minh City or Hai Phong) to Lagos: about 35–45 days
  • Common transshipment routes:
    • Vietnam → Singapore / Port Klang (Malaysia) → European Port (Rotterdam, Antwerp) → Lagos
    • Vietnam → Middle East (Jebel Ali) → West Africa → Lagos
Air Freight:
  • Flight time: approximately 2–5 days (including transshipment)

📦 4. Shipping Process from Vietnam to Nigeria

Step 1: Receive Request & Provide Quotation
Unicorn Logistics advises on optimal routes, shipping methods, and rates based on cargo details.

Step 2: Order Confirmation & Document Preparation
Includes contract, commercial invoice, packing list, C/O (if applicable), and any special permits.

Step 3: Packing & Export Customs Clearance in Vietnam
Cargo is packed to international standards, declared via the VNACCS system, and cleared for export.

Step 4: Transport to Port & Load onto Vessel
Unicorn Logistics arranges transport, secures booking, issues the bill of lading, and supervises loading.

Step 5: Shipment Tracking & Import Support in Nigeria
Upon arrival, local agents handle import customs clearance, tax payments, and port charges. Unicorn Logistics can connect you with trusted partners for the entire process.

💸 5. Considered Costs

  • In Vietnam: THC, documentation fees, handling charges
  • Ocean Freight
  • In Nigeria: unloading fees, container storage, inland customs clearance
  • Import Duties & VAT: around 5–20% depending on the goods
  • ECTN Fee: Electronic Cargo Tracking Note – mandatory for imports into Nigeria

🧮 6. Freight Rate Calculation from Vietnam to the Republic of the Congo

Sea Freight
For FCL (Full Container Load):
Total freight cost = Freight rate per container × Number of containers (or Bills/Shipments)

For LCL (Less than Container Load):
Depending on whether the cargo is heavy or light, one of the following formulas is applied:

Volume (CBM) = (Length × Width × Height) × Quantity (m³)
Then compare cargo volume with weight:
●       1 ton < 3 CBM → heavy cargo → charge based on KGS rate
●       1 ton ≥ 3 CBM → light cargo → charge based on CBM rate
Standard conversions:
●        1 ton = 3 CBM
●        1 CBM = 1000 kg
Freight formulas:
●           KGS rate = (Weight (kg) × Freight rate per CBM) / 1000
●          CBM rate = Volume × Freight rate per CBM
The international freight service provider sets the rate per CBM.

📌 7. Vietnam’s Export Goods to Nigeria

Vietnam mainly exports industrial products, including:
  • Textiles & Garments – the fastest-growing export category
  • Machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts
  • Mobile phones and components
  • Handbags, wallets, suitcases, hats, umbrellas
  • Plastic materials – strong growth in recent years

Unicorn Logistics – Your Partner for Exports to Nigeria

Unicorn Logistics is one of Vietnam’s leading companies in freight forwarding and international shipping. With practical experience and a highly skilled team, we are committed to delivering comprehensive, efficient, and cost-effective logistics solutions for every business.
Our key services include:
  • International Sea & Air Freight: From Vietnam to ports worldwide and vice versa.
    Domestic Transport: By road, inland waterways, and rail.
  • Comprehensive Customs Brokerage: Available in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and several inland checkpoints.
  • C/O (Certificate of Origin) Services: Consultation and handling for all form types.
  • Free Consultation: On HS codes, import/export duties, payment methods, import policies, efficient shipping solutions, and more.
  • Contract & Documentation Support: Guidance on trade contracts and related paperwork, plus free templates for contracts, invoices, and packing lists.
Unicorn Logistics prides itself on being a trusted partner in international freight forwarding, providing high-quality services backed by a dedicated and experienced team. We are ready to assist businesses throughout customs clearance, cargo release, and the import/export shipping process. With a professional, fast, and transparent workflow, Unicorn Logistics is committed to minimizing risks, optimizing costs, and enhancing logistics efficiency for our clients.
 
Contact for support:
   Mr. Bắc (Eric) – Sales Director, UNICORN
   📧 Email: Eric@unicornlogs.com
   📞 Phone: +84 907 256 567