Quick Summary: Air vs Sea Freight
Air freight to Nigeria is fast (3–5 days express, 5–10 days standard) and charged per kilogram, making it ideal for parcels under 100kg, electronics, and urgent items. Sea freight is slower (4–6 weeks) but charged per cubic meter (CBM) or container load, making it 60–80% cheaper per unit for heavy machinery, furniture, and bulk cargo over 200kg.
Side-by-Side Mode Comparison Table
| Feature | Air Freight ✈️ | Sea Freight 🚢 |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Time | 3 – 10 Working Days | 4 – 6 Weeks |
| Pricing Model | Per kg (Actual or Volumetric) | Per CBM / Container (FCL/LCL) |
| Best For | Electronics, clothes, urgent goods (<100kg) | Vehicles, furniture, machinery (>200kg) |
| Customs Clearing | Fast (24–48 hours at LOS) | Standard (3–7 days at Apapa) |
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Related Shipping Guides & Useful Resources
Complete Shipping to Nigeria Guide
The master pillar guide covering air freight, sea freight, rates, timelines and customs.
Nigeria Customs Clearance Guide
Detailed breakdown of Form M, PAAR, duty calculations, and customs processing at Lagos ports.
Cargo Shipping Cost to Nigeria
Transparent pricing rules, actual vs volumetric weight explanations, and fee breakdowns.
UK to Nigeria Shipping Time
Compare express air cargo (3–5 days), standard air (5–10 days) and ocean shipping timelines.