How to Ship a Car from China to Nigeria (2026 Guide)

Nigeria is one of the largest vehicle import markets in Africa, and China is its main source of used and new cars, buses and trucks. This guide walks through the practical steps of shipping a vehicle from China to Nigeria — from choosing a loading port and shipping method, to documents, transit time and destination clearance.

1. Choose the shipping method first

For Nigeria you have three realistic options:

• RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) — the cheapest option for a running vehicle. Vessels call Lagos (Apapa / Tin Can) regularly. Transit 30–45 days. The vehicle sits on an open deck, so remove personal effects and disable the alarm.
• Container (20ft or 40HQ) — protects the cargo, allows spare parts inside, and is the only option for a non-running vehicle. One car in a 20ft, two to four in a 40HQ. Slightly higher cost, same transit.
• Breakbulk — only for buses, trucks or machinery that do not fit a container and cannot roll.

See our loading method comparison and cost guide for a side-by-side view.

2. Pick the loading port in China

Most Nigerian-bound vehicles load at Tianjin, Qingdao or Shanghai. If your supplier is in the south (Guangdong, Fujian), Nansha or Shekou saves trucking. If the supplier is in the north-east, Dalian or Tianjin is closest. We book from all ten major export ports — see loading ports.

3. Documents you need

• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Original vehicle title / certificate of origin
• Bill of lading (we issue after loading)
• Export customs declaration (we handle in China)
• For used cars: de-registration certificate from the origin country
• For EVs: battery compliance documents (see EV battery compliance)

Full list on our shipping documents page.

4. Transit time

China to Lagos (Apapa or Tin Can) is typically 30–45 days depending on the service and transhipment. We give the current figure in writing with the quotation, not a best case.

5. Destination clearance in Nigeria

Nigeria requires customs clearance at the port of discharge, including duty, levy and (for used vehicles) age-related restrictions. We arrange destination clearance with our local partners so you do not have to find a broker yourself. Plan for this cost in advance — it is usually the largest single cost after the ocean freight.

6. How to get a quote

Send us: vehicle type, make/model/year, running or not, quantity, origin city in China, and destination port (Apapa or Tin Can). We reply with the method, an indicative cost breakdown and the next available sailing — normally within one working day.