Container Clearing in Nigeria: Cost, Process & Agents in Lagos

Learn container clearing in Nigeria. See 20ft/40ft clearing cost in Lagos, documents & 5-step process.

By Ocean Speed Company Ltd a Licensed Customs Clearing Agent | Apapa, Tin Can Island Ports & other ports in Nigeria.

Importing a container into Nigeria? Buying the goods is the easy part. Clearing it at Apapa, Tin Can Island Port or other ports in Nigeria is where most importers lose money, time, and peace of mind.

At Ocean Speed Company Ltd, we clear over 300 containers yearly for small importers (SMEs) and large importers. In this guide, we break down the exact container clearing process in Nigeria, documents, and current cost of clearing a 20ft and 40ft container in Nigeria.

Need fast clearing? Call/WhatsApp Ocean Speed Company Ltd: [+2348035988240] - We clear in 3-5 days if your documents are complete.

Table of Contents

1. What is Container Clearing in Nigeria?
2. Major Ports for Container Clearing
3. Documents Required
4. Step-by-Step Clearing Process (Update)
5. Cost of Clearing 20ft and 40ft Container
6. How Long Does Clearing Take?
7. 5 Pro Tips to Avoid Demurrage
8. How to Choose a Reliable Clearing Agent in Lagos
9. FAQs on Container Clearing in Nigeria

1. What is Container Clearing in Nigeria?

Container clearing in Nigeria is the mandatory process of getting your imported cargo examined and released by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other agencies like SON, NAFDAC, and NDLEA.

Without proper clearing, your container cannot exit the port. In 2026, the Federal Government is pushing for 7-day cargo release and Customs has introduced Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) to speed up release for compliant importers.

2. Major Ports for Container Clearing in Nigeria

Apapa Port (Lagos Port Complex): Largest and busiest, handles over 70% of Nigeria's container traffic.

Tin Can Island Port: Second busiest in Lagos.

PTML Terminal: Best for vehicles and RoRo.

Lekki Deep Sea Port: New deep sea port.

Onne Port, Port Harcourt: Hub for South-South imports.

At Ocean Speed Company Ltd, we are licensed to clear at Apapa, Tin Can, Lekki and other ports in Nigeria.

3. Documents Required for Container Clearing in Nigeria

This is where 80% of delays happen. Prepare these before your cargo ships:

• Form M (Processed through your bank., We can aswell help you process your Form M)
• Proforma and Final Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading (Original or Telex Release)
• Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR)
• CCVO, SONCAP, NAFDAC Permit
• Customs Assessment Notice & Duty Receipt
• Delivery Order (DO) and Terminal Delivery Order (TDO)

4. Step-by-Step Container Clearing Process in Nigeria [Updated]

Step 1: Pre-Arrival Documentation (Form M & PAAR)

Your licensed clearing agent in Lagos processes Form M via your bank and obtains PAAR on the Customs portal.

Step 2: Shipping Company Release - Delivery Order (DO)

Once vessel berths, we obtain delivery order (DO) from the shipping lines. As of March 2026, CMA CGM uses MyCS portal for DO requests. You also pay container deposit of N200,000 in Lagos.

Step 3: Customs Declaration & Duty Payment

We file SGD using your PAAR. Charges include Import Duty (5%-35%), CISS 1%, 7.5% port surcharge, ETLS 0.5%, and VAT 7.5%.

Step 4: Joint Physical Examination or Scanning

Container moves to examination bay with Customs, NDLEA, DSS, Quarantine present for the container(s) to be examined physically by all agencies. Or it's been moved to the Scanning unit to have the container(s) scanned without opening the container. (Any which methods you want, we at Ocean Speed Company Ltd handles all)

Step 5: Final Release & Transportation

After compliance, Customs issues release. We pay terminal charges and transport your container to your warehouse or place of delivery.

5. Cost of Clearing 20ft and 40ft Container in Nigeria

How much does container clearing cost in Nigeria? See our evergreen estimate for Lagos Ports:

Note: Import duty depends on your product HS Code. Excluding duty, clearing a 20ft container in Lagos costs N1m - N3m. Trucking from Apapa now costs N600k - N1.5m.</p>

6. How Long Does Container Clearing Take in Lagos?

With complete documents: 3-5 days

Standard: 7-14 days

With dispute: 21-30 days

7. 5 Pro Tips to Avoid Demurrage & Save Money

• Hire a Licensed Clearing Agent in Apapa - Not just road side or WhatsApp agent.
• Process Form M & PAAR Before Shipment (we help you handle this)
• Get Your HS Code Right
• Insist on SONCAP from Supplier (we can help you handle this)
• Clear Early in the Week

8. How to Choose a Reliable Clearing Agent in Lagos

Ask for valid Customs license, physical office in Apapa/Tin Can or close to the port, recent entry copies, transparent invoice, and relationship with shipping lines.

Why Choose Ocean Speed Company Ltd?

Ocean Speed Company is Licensed at Apapa, Tin Can, Lekki and other ports in Nigeria| Fast 3-5 days clearing guranteed| Transparent pricing | We handle Form M, PAAR, SONCAP, NAFDAC

📞 Call/WhatsApp: [+2348035988240]

📍 Apapa, Lagos | 🌐 [www.oceanspeedcompany.ng]

We clear fast. We clear right.

9. FAQs on Container Clearing in Nigeria

Question: What is the cost of clearing a 20ft container in Nigeria?

Answer: Excluding import duty, clearing a 20ft container in Lagos costs between N1,000,000 and N3,000,000. Total cost depends on your PAAR. Contact Ocean Speed Company Ltd for exact quote.

Question: How long does it take to clear a container in Apapa Port?

Answer: With complete documents, a licensed clearing agent in Lagos can clear a container in 3-5 days. Standard is 7-14 days.

Question: What documents do I need to clear a container in Nigeria?

Answer: You need Form M, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, PAAR, SONCAP, and Delivery Order. Ocean Speed Company Ltd can process all for you.