Home Shipping from China to Nigeria LCL sea freight from China to Nigeria (Apapa, Lagos & Tincan) — 2026 reference rates

LCL sea freight from China to Nigeria (Apapa, Lagos & Tincan) — 2026 reference rates

Rate rangeUSD 150–195 per CBM

Transit time40–45 days

Minimum1 CBM

TerminalsApapa, Lagos, Tincan Island

Nigeria is West Africa's largest market and Lagos is its busiest port complex. Three terminals matter: Apapa and Tincan Island on Lagos harbour, and the wider Lagos designation used by some carriers. Tianjin and Qingdao sail direct; Ningbo relays through Colombo.

Rates run from USD 150 to USD 195 per CBM with a 1 CBM minimum on every lane. The direct services from Tianjin and Qingdao take 45 days; the Ningbo services are faster at 40 days despite the Colombo relay.

How to read these rates: figures are indicative reference levels for port-to-port LCL ocean freight, updated for October 2026. They exclude origin haulage, warehouse and customs charges, destination port charges and any surcharges. Space, cut-off times and rates must be re-confirmed at booking.

LCL rates from China to Nigeria

Port of departure	Port of destination	Volume range (CBM)	Rate (USD/CBM)	MIN (CBM)	Transit port	Cut-off / ETD	Carrier	Transit time (days)
Tianjin	Apapa	0~15	155	1	Direct	Closed Thu / ETD Mon	EMC	45
Qingdao	Lagos	0~15	150	1	Direct	—	EMC	45
Ningbo	Apapa	0~15	174	1	Colombo	—	COSCO	40
Ningbo	Lagos	0~15	176	1	Colombo	Closed Fri / ETD Wed	COSCO	40
Ningbo	Tincan	0~15	195	1	Lagos	—	COSCO	40

Tianjin to Apapa — USD 155 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; direct consolidation; carrier EMC; cut-off/ETD Closed Thu / ETD Mon; transit time about 45 days.
Qingdao to Lagos — USD 150 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; direct consolidation; carrier EMC; cut-off/ETD —; transit time about 45 days.
Ningbo to Apapa — USD 174 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; transhipment via Colombo; carrier COSCO; cut-off/ETD —; transit time about 40 days.
Ningbo to Lagos — USD 176 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; transhipment via Colombo; carrier COSCO; cut-off/ETD Closed Fri / ETD Wed; transit time about 40 days.
Ningbo to Tincan — USD 195 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; transhipment via Lagos; carrier COSCO; cut-off/ETD —; transit time about 40 days.

Qingdao is the cheapest lane. USD 150 per CBM direct to Lagos in 45 days, with Tianjin a close second at USD 155 to Apapa on the same transit.

Ningbo is faster but dearer. The Colombo relay adds cost but delivers in 40 days rather than 45 — five days quicker for USD 24–26 per CBM more. Worth it only for time-critical cargo.

Tincan Island costs a premium. USD 195 per CBM to Tincan against USD 176 to Lagos from the same origin. Tincan and Apapa are in the same port complex, so confirm which terminal your consignee's broker clears at before paying the difference.

Apapa, Tincan or Lagos?

Apapa and Tin Can Island are the two container terminals inside Lagos harbour; “Lagos” in a carrier tariff usually means Apapa. Congestion has historically been severe at both, and the choice of terminal can matter more than the freight rate because of the queueing time. Ask your consignee which terminal their broker can clear at and quote accordingly.

Documentation for Nigeria

Nigeria requires a Form M and a PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report) before cargo can be cleared, both of which must be raised by the Nigerian importer through their bank and customs broker. Start the process before the vessel sails — shipments arriving without a PAAR sit in the terminal and accrue storage.

FAQ — LCL shipping from China to Nigeria

What is the cheapest LCL rate to Nigeria?

USD 150 per CBM from Qingdao, direct to Lagos in 45 days. Tianjin is USD 155 to Apapa on the same transit.

Why is Ningbo more expensive?

The Ningbo lanes relay through Colombo, which adds handling cost but saves five days — 40 days against 45.

What is the difference between Apapa, Lagos and Tincan?

Apapa and Tin Can Island are the two container terminals inside Lagos harbour; “Lagos” in a tariff almost always means Apapa. Tincan carries a premium in our records.

What paperwork does Nigeria require?

A Form M and a PAAR, both raised by the Nigerian importer through their bank and broker before arrival. Without a PAAR, cargo cannot be cleared and storage accrues.

How long does LCL from China to Nigeria take?

40 days via Colombo from Ningbo and 45 days direct from Tianjin and Qingdao, plus clearance — which in Lagos can be the longest part of the journey.