Shipping from Nigeria to DubaiShipping from Nigeria to Dubai, by air and sea.
Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai Airport Free Zone, arranges shipping from Nigeria to Dubai for businesses. We book air cargo from Lagos and Abuja to DXB, and FCL or LCL sea freight from Apapa, Tin Can and Lekki to Jebel Ali. We check the Nigerian export papers, NEPC registration and NXP form, then clear the goods with Dubai Customs.
Business cargo only. Airlift Logistics ships commercial goods for importers, exporters, traders and manufacturers, with a commercial invoice and a registered consignee. We do not handle personal boxes, household effects or door-to-door parcels.
Nigeria to Dubai at a glance
Nigeria supplies agricultural commodities and natural ingredients to the UAE. Containers leave from the Lagos ports, while samples and perishable goods fly from Lagos.
- Flight time
- About 7 h Lagos to Dubai
- Sea transit
- Varies, via a transshipment hub
- Export filing
- Nigeria Customs, NEPC and bank NXP
- UAE duty
- 5% on most goods, CIF value
Where cargo leaves Nigeria for Dubai
Most export containers leave from the Lagos ports. Ask us which terminal has the best sailing and export processing at the time you ship.
| Gateway | Type | Code | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | LOS | Murtala Muhammed International, the main air cargo gateway | |
| Airport | ABV | Nnamdi Azikiwe International, for the capital and the north | |
| Seaport | NGAPP | Lagos Port Complex, historically Nigeria's busiest port | |
| Seaport | NGTIN | Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, for containers and general cargo | |
| Seaport | NGLKK | Deep-sea container port east of Lagos |
Air or sea from Nigeria
| Mode | Route | Typical timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS or ABV to DXB | Next day to 3 days, plus clearance | Samples, perishables, high-value goods | |
| Sea freight FCL | Apapa, Tin Can or Lekki to Jebel Ali | Varies, via a transshipment hub | Commodities and full-container loads |
| Sea freight LCL | Lagos consolidation to Jebel Ali | Varies, via consolidation | Smaller loads, from about 1 CBM |
Airlines flying direct from Nigeria to Dubai
- Emirates SkyCargo
Transit times are typical ranges from published schedules, not promises. Sea routing depends on transshipment hubs and terminal conditions. Check the billed weight with our chargeable weight calculator or the CBM calculator.
Export rules in Nigeria
Exporting from Nigeria involves Customs, the NEPC and the exporter's bank. We ask for the documents early so the cargo is not held at the airport or port.
| Item | In Nigeria |
|---|---|
| Customs declaration | Filed with the Nigeria Customs Service, normally through a licensed customs agent |
| NEPC registration | Exporters register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) |
| NXP form | The Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) form is processed through the exporter's bank and endorsed by Customs |
| Quality and plant checks | Agricultural goods need NAQS inspection and a phytosanitary certificate; processed foods may need NAFDAC documents |
| Restricted exports | Nigeria keeps an export prohibition list, so check your goods before buying |
Open the NXP form early. Your bank must process it before shipment, and delays hold the cargo.
UAE duty on goods from Nigeria
Dubai Customs charges duty and VAT on the declared value. No UAE trade agreement in force that we can confirm applies to Nigerian goods.
| Item | For goods from Nigeria |
|---|---|
| UAE customs duty | 5% on most goods, set by HS code and charged on the CIF value |
| Trade agreement | No UAE trade agreement in force that we can confirm for Nigeria |
| 5% on the CIF value plus duty | |
| Free zone option | Goods can enter JAFZA or Jebel Ali Free Zone without duty until they move to the mainland |
Airlift Logistics files the import declaration with Dubai Customs and arranges delivery to the mainland, a free zone or re-export. See customs clearance in Dubai.
Approvals for common goods from Nigeria
Nigerian goods are often agricultural, which need a UAE approval before they can clear. Ask your supplier for the technical files early.
- 01
Food registration
Food and beverages need Dubai Municipality registration (Montaji) and compliant labels.
- 02
Plant products
Seeds, grains and plant products need a MOCCAE import permit.
- 03
A Nigerian phytosanitary certificate from NAQS is needed for plant goods.
- 04
Wood packaging
Wooden pallets and crates must meet ISPM 15 and carry the treatment mark.
- 05
Cosmetics and shea
Shea butter and cosmetic ingredients may need product registration.
- 06
CITES permits
Timber and wildlife products may need CITES permits from both countries.
Documents for shipping from Nigeria to Dubai
Send these with your booking. We check that names, values and HS codes match across every document.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Customs value and duty in Dubai | |
| Packing list | Count, weights and marks for inspection |
| Nigerian customs and bank proof of export | |
| Certificate of origin | Chamber certificate of Nigerian origin |
| Plant health proof for agricultural goods | |
| Bill of lading or air waybill | Transport contract and cargo release |
Dubai Customs usually accepts origin stated on the invoice. A separate certificate matters when your buyer or bank asks for one.
What UAE importers buy from Nigeria
Nigeria sells agricultural commodities and natural ingredients to UAE buyers, and the UAE is a major trade partner for Nigerian businesses.
- 01
Agricultural commodities
Sesame, cashew, cocoa and hibiscus, by sea in bags or bulk containers.
- 02
Shea and natural ingredients
Shea butter and plant extracts for cosmetics and food makers.
- 03
Processed foods
Spices, snacks and packaged food for UAE retail and hospitality.
Nigeria to Dubai shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsGet a quote for this laneIt records the export and the return of proceeds. The form is processed through the exporter's bank and endorsed by Customs. Exporters should open it before shipment. A mismatch with the invoice can hold cargo at Lagos, so check the details first.
- NEPC registration is also needed.
- Your bank handles the form.
Apapa, Tin Can and Lekki all handle export containers. Lekki is a newer deep-sea port east of Lagos. Direct services to Jebel Ali are limited, so most containers transship through a hub. We compare sailings and trucking from each terminal when quoting.
- Ask about the export process at each port.
- Allow extra time for routing.
Food products need Dubai Municipality registration through Montaji. Plant goods also need a MOCCAE import permit and a Nigerian phytosanitary certificate. Confirm both before the goods leave Lagos, because cargo cannot clear without them. Pallets must meet ISPM 15 rules.
- NAQS issues the Nigerian certificate.
- The importer holds the UAE registration.
Yes, Emirates flies Lagos to Dubai, so SkyCargo can carry freight direct. The flight takes about seven hours. Clearance in Dubai adds time. Perishable goods should be booked with the right temperature handling, and we check the permits before the cargo is accepted.
- Air suits samples and perishables.
- Allow time for Nigerian export checks.