How Long Does It Take to Ship from China to Nigeria?
For many Nigerian importers, shipping from China is a necessary step to stock up on affordable and in-demand products, from electronics and fashion items to beauty supplies and gadgets. But one question keeps popping up:
“How long does it really take to ship from China to Nigeria?”
The answer? It depends.
The shipping timeline can range from 5 days to over 40 days, depending on the shipping method you choose (air or sea), the route taken, customs delays, and who your shipping partner is.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you, so you can plan your business or personal shipments with confidence.
In this article we discuss;
- Air Freight vs. Sea Freight: What’s the Difference?
- Average Shipping Timeframes (Air and Sea)
- Key Factors That Affect Delivery Time
- Real-World Examples: Shipping from China to Nigeria
- How to Choose the Right Shipping Method
- Tips to Avoid Delays
- Conclusion + How to Get Started with Topship
Air Freight vs. Sea Freight: What’s the Difference?
Before we talk numbers, you need to understand the two main shipping methods:
| Method | Estimated Delivery Time | Best For |
| Air Freight | 5–10 working days | Urgent, lightweight, or high-value items |
| Sea Freight | 30–45 days (on average) | Bulk shipments, lower-cost items, or non-urgent cargo |
Air freight is unquestionably faster, but it can be 2x–4x more expensive. Sea freight, on the other hand, is cost-effective for large volumes, but requires patience, and better planning.
Average Shipping Timeframes (Air and Sea)
Here’s a more detailed look at typical shipping times:
✈️ Air Freight
- China (Guangzhou or Yiwu) to Lagos or Abuja: 5–10 business days.
- China to Port Harcourt or Kano: May take 1–2 extra days, depending on final delivery arrangements.
These estimates assume the use of a reliable logistics platform like Topship, and no additional customs hold-ups.
🚢 Sea Freight
- China to Lagos (Apapa or Tincan Port): 35–45 days
- Add another 3–7 days for clearing and local delivery
Depending on port congestion, weather conditions, or customs clearance delays, sea shipping can stretch longer.
Key Factors That Affect Delivery Time
Understanding these variables can help you avoid unpleasant surprises:
- Port of Origin in China: Shipping from inland cities like Chengdu or Xi’an takes longer than from coastal hubs like Guangzhou or Shenzhen.
- Shipping Method: Air cargo is faster but pricier. Sea cargo is cheaper but takes longer.
- Carrier Type: Consolidated cargo (where your shipment is grouped with others) often takes longer to process.
- Customs Clearance: Delays in Nigerian or Chinese customs can add 3–10 days.
- Seasonality: Shipping times are slower during Chinese holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year) and end-of-year peak periods.
Real-World Examples: Shipping from China to Nigeria
Tosin, a clothing vendor in Lagos, recently shipped 25kg worth of clothing samples from Guangzhou using air freight via Topship.
- Dispatch Date: March 4
- Arrival in Lagos: March 10
- Total Time: 6 calendar days
In contrast, when she ordered bulk inventory via sea freight in January, the shipment took 42 days to arrive and clear customs at Apapa Port.
Lesson: For time-sensitive shipments (e.g. testing new products or resupplying fast-moving stock), air freight is the better choice, despite the higher cost.
How to Choose the Right Shipping Method
Here’s a quick decision framework:
| If you… | Choose |
| Need the goods ASAP | ✅ Air Freight |
| Are shipping small quantities | ✅ Air Freight |
| Want the lowest cost possible | ✅ Sea Freight |
| Are importing large or bulky goods | ✅ Sea Freight |
| Can wait over 4 weeks | ✅ Sea Freight |
Still unsure? Request quote from Topship to compare delivery timelines and costs instantly.
Tips to Avoid Delays
Even the most efficient freight companies can be slowed down by things beyond their control, but you can reduce risk by doing the following:
- Double-check all required documentation (e.g., commercial invoice, product description, HS code).
- Avoid shipping during Chinese holidays like Golden Week and Chinese New Year.
- Use a trusted shipping partner with experience handling customs clearance in Nigeria.
- Track your shipment and stay in communication with your supplier and shipping partner.
Need help with customs or documentation? Topship offers assisted customs clearance support for all air and sea shipments.
Conclusion + How to Get Started with Topship
- If you use air freight, expect 5–10 business days.
- If you go with sea freight, expect 35–45 days.
But the real takeaway is this: shipping time is not just about geography. It’s about planning, preparation, and choosing the right logistics partner.
🚀 Don’t Want To Be Bothered With the Guesswork But Want To Ship from China to Nigeria?
Topship helps Nigerian businesses and individuals ship easily from China to Nigeria, without headaches. Whether you’re shipping one box or a full container, we’ve got you covered. We offer:
✅ Transparent rates
✅ Real-time tracking
✅ Dedicated customs support
✅ Air and sea shipping options
