If you are sending cargo from the United Kingdom or United States to Nigeria, recent developments across the aviation and maritime industries may affect shipping costs, transit times and cargo clearance. At County Cargo, we monitor these changes so that customers can make informed decisions and prepare properly before shipping.
Here is the latest update covering air cargo, sea freight, airport operations, Customs clearance and freight costs.
Air-cargo operations in Lagos and Abuja
Aviation-union action temporarily disrupted flight operations at airports in Lagos and Abuja on 11 August 2026. Access to certain terminals was restricted, resulting in flight cancellations, delays and a temporary backlog.
Flight operations subsequently resumed, although the dispute responsible for the disruption was not immediately resolved.
There was no confirmed prolonged closure of international cargo terminals or NAHCO warehouses. However, airport disruption can sometimes affect cargo handling, collection, clearance and onward delivery from Lagos to Abuja or other Nigerian destinations.
Customers with time-sensitive shipments should therefore allow a small amount of additional time and avoid arranging important events around an estimated delivery date until the cargo has cleared.
Possible increase in US air-cargo costs
United Cargo introduced a revised Market Disruption Fee for air waybills issued from 15 August 2026.
The fee is based on the shipment’s chargeable weight and may affect cargo transported directly or indirectly through United Cargo’s network. Other carriers and forwarding partners may also review their charges in response to fuel prices, supplier costs and wider market conditions.
This does not automatically mean that every County Cargo shipment from the United States will increase in price. The effect depends on the carrier, routing and service used for a particular shipment.
Customers shipping from the USA to Nigeria should obtain a current quotation before sending large or unusually heavy consignments.
Sea-freight prices and port congestion
Global container freight prices increased slightly during the week ending 13 August 2026. Drewry’s World Container Index rose by 1% to approximately $4,339 for a 40-foot container.
Shipping companies have also reported continuing congestion, vessel-schedule changes, restricted capacity and cancelled sailings across parts of the international shipping network.
Maersk identified infrastructure bottlenecks in several regions, including West Africa, as one of the factors contributing to higher costs and reduced schedule reliability.
For customers using sea cargo from the UK to Nigeria, this means:
Sailing and arrival dates should be treated as estimates.
Cargo may occasionally be moved to a later sailing if space is unavailable.
Port congestion can affect unloading and clearance times.
Freight quotations may change when carrier surcharges or fuel costs are adjusted.
Customers should ship early when items are needed for a particular occasion.
Sea cargo remains a practical and economical option for boxes, household goods, personal effects, equipment and non-urgent consignments. However, it is most suitable when the customer can allow sufficient time for the full journey.
Nigeria Customs and cargo clearance
No new nationwide Nigeria Customs shutdown or major cargo-clearance suspension was confirmed during the review period.
Nigeria Customs continues to implement the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments. These measures include revisions to:
- Import duties and adjustment taxes
- Import and export prohibition lists
- Excise-liable goods
- Customs classifications
- Vehicle-related environmental surcharges
- The ECOWAS Common External Tariff framework
Goods that were previously accepted or assessed under a particular classification may now require additional checks. Commercial goods, vehicles, food products, cosmetics, medicines, electrical equipment and other regulated items should be confirmed before shipping.
An incorrect description, undeclared restricted item or incomplete document can result in inspection, additional charges, seizure or delayed clearance.
Exchange rates and Nigerian clearance costs
The Central Bank of Nigeria recorded an official exchange rate of approximately ₦1,357.61 to the US dollar on 14 August 2026.
The rate remained relatively stable during the week, but Nigerian Customs duties and other locally assessed charges can still change according to the applicable exchange rate on the date of assessment.
Customers importing commercial or high-value goods should avoid relying on an old Customs estimate. The final amount may depend on the declared value, applicable HS code, exchange rate, duty percentage and any regulatory charges.
How customers can reduce the risk of delays
Customers shipping from the UK or USA to Nigeria can help prevent avoidable delays by following these steps:
Describe every item accurately
Provide a clear packing list and avoid using vague descriptions such as "general goods" or "personal items" where more detailed information is required.
Check restricted items before shipping
Perfumes, aerosols, loose lithium batteries, power banks, flammable substances, chemicals, cash, fresh food and certain regulated products may be restricted or prohibited. Contact County Cargo before packing if you are uncertain about an item.
Use appropriate packaging
Strong boxes, proper sealing and suitable protection for fragile items reduce the risk of damage during handling, inspection and transportation.
Ship early
Do not wait until the final week when sending items for weddings, birthdays, funerals, business deadlines or other important occasions. Air and sea transit times are estimates and may be affected by airline schedules, Customs inspections, congestion and circumstances outside the shipping company's control.
Provide the correct customer information
Ensure that the sender's name, recipient's name, telephone number and final Nigerian destination are correct and clearly attached to the shipment.
Shipping from the UK or USA to Nigeria with County Cargo
County Cargo provides reliable cargo services connecting families, individuals and businesses in the United Kingdom, United States and Nigeria. Our services include:
- Air cargo from the UK to Nigeria
- Air cargo from the USA to Nigeria
- Sea cargo from the UK to Nigeria
- Express cargo services
- Cargo services to Lagos and Abuja
- Support with shipping requirements and documentation
Our team monitors shipments throughout their journey and communicates important updates when confirmed information becomes available. For current prices, shipment requirements or assistance choosing between air and sea cargo, contact County Cargo before sending your items.
Sources
- United Cargo Market Disruption Fee
- Drewry World Container Index
- Maersk freight and congestion update reported by Reuters
- Central Bank of Nigeria exchange rates
- Nigeria Customs fiscal-policy announcement