Step-by-Step: How Cargo Is Cleared at Nigerian Airports (Without Getting Scammed)

If you’ve ever imported goods into Nigeria by air, you probably already know one thing: clearing cargo at the airport can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. From endless paperwork to mysterious delays and sudden “extra fees,” the process is notorious for confusion, corruption, and costly mistakes.

But what if the process didn’t have to be shady or stressful?

At Unstoppable Cargo, we believe in transparency and simplicity. That’s why we’ve broken down the entire air cargo clearing process in Nigeria—step by step—to help importers, entrepreneurs, and businesses understand what really happens after your goods touch down.

Whether you’re new to importing or just tired of getting scammed, this guide will walk you through how cargo is legally and efficiently cleared at Nigerian airports—and how to do it without losing money, time, or your sanity.

Step 1: Your Cargo Arrives at the Airport

Once your shipment lands at an international airport in Nigeria (e.g. Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja), it is offloaded and handed over to the ground handling company (e.g. SAHCO or NAHCO). They are responsible for storage, inspection coordination, and release.

What You’ll Need:

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Arrival notification
• Invoice and packing list

Pro Tip: Make sure you’re notified of arrival immediately to avoid unnecessary storage fees (demurrage). Time starts counting from the moment your cargo lands.

Step 2: Documentation & Duty Assessment

Before any physical clearance can begin, your clearing agent must submit documents to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for valuation and duty assessment.

Key Documents Required:

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Form M (Mandatory for commercial goods)
• Final Invoice
• Packing List
• PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report) – generated by the Central Bank of Nigeria
• Insurance Certificate (if applicable)
• Import Permit (for restricted items)

Common Scam Alert: Some shady agents might cut corners or use forged documents, leading to seizure or fines. Always work with licensed, reputable agents who follow proper documentation protocols.

Step 3: Customs Inspection & Release

Once your paperwork is processed, customs officers may inspect your cargo to ensure it matches your declarations.

Types of Inspections:

• Physical Inspection – Customs manually checks the goods.
• Scanning – Cargo is scanned using X-ray machines.

What Customs Checks For:

• Undervaluation or wrong declarations
• Prohibited or restricted items
• Misclassification of goods

If everything checks out, Customs issues a Release Note authorizing the handover of the cargo.

How Unstoppable Cargo Helps:
We pre-declare and verify all items before arrival to minimize delays during inspection. Our trained team knows how to classify goods correctly to avoid duty disputes and penalties.

Step 4: Payment of Duties and Terminal Charges

Once customs has finalized the duty, the next step is payment.

Payments You May Need to Make:

• Customs Duty (based on HS code & product value)
• VAT (7.5%)
• Terminal Handling Charges (e.g. from NAHCO/SAHCO)
• Storage Fees (if applicable)
• Agency Fees (for specific goods like food, drugs, electronics)

All payments must be officially receipted. Avoid any agent who insists on “paying cash on your behalf” without documentation.

Pro Tip: Always request official receipts or bank payment confirmations. If there’s no paper trail, it’s likely a scam.

Step 5: Cargo Pickup and Final Delivery

Once all payments are made and customs releases your cargo, the final step is to pick up your goods from the terminal and deliver them to your desired location.

At this stage:

• Terminal staff will cross-check release documents.
• They will inspect the cargo against the Air Waybill and manifest.
• Once confirmed, your cargo is released for loading and onward delivery.

Avoid This Mistake:
Don’t assume your goods are safe just because they’re cleared. If pickup is delayed, you may incur extra storage fees, or worse—your cargo could get lost or tampered with.

At Unstoppable Cargo, we handle this step immediately and securely, ensuring your cargo leaves the terminal within hours of release.

How to Avoid Scams Throughout the Process

Here are five key red flags to watch out for:

1. “Too good to be true” duty rates – If the agent promises unrealistically low customs fees, you may be headed for a seizure.
2. No receipts for payments – Always insist on documented, traceable transactions.
3. Unclear communication – If your agent disappears for days or won’t share updates, something’s wrong.
4. Multiple middlemen – The more people involved, the more likely your costs will rise (and responsibility will be dodged).
5. Unlicensed agents – Always verify that your clearing partner is registered with Nigerian Customs and can show proof of operations.

Why Work With Unstoppable Cargo?

Because we built our company on one simple belief: Cargo shouldn’t be chaos.

We’re not here to play the same games others play. No inflated charges. No dark corners. No guesswork.

When you ship with us, you get:

• A licensed clearing team with real-time updates
• Zero shady dealings or unofficial fees
• Step-by-step transparency from arrival to delivery
• A single point of contact (no middlemen)
• Guaranteed compliance with Nigerian Customs laws

Final Thoughts: Simplicity is the Best Protection

Understanding how air cargo is cleared in Nigeria empowers you to make smarter decisions and avoid losses. The system may be complex, but with the right partner, you don’t have to get stuck—or scammed—along the way.

At Unstoppable Cargo, we don’t just clear goods. We clear the path forward.

Need help clearing your next shipment?
Contact us today for reliable, transparent, and scam-free cargo clearance in Nigeria.