Last updated: April 2026
FCL Container Shipping from Dubai to Nigeria — Ocean Freight & Full Container Load to Lagos (Apapa & Tin Can Island)
Delta Global Cargo specialises in container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria — FCL (full container load) ocean freight and sea freight from Dubai to Nigeria with weekly departures from Jebel Ali Port to Apapa and Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. We own our 20ft and 40ft containers, cutting out middlemen and broker markups. Get a free quote for dubai to nigeria shipping the same business day — we specialise in shipping from Dubai to Nigeria with direct FCL rates from Jebel Ali. If you’re comparing Dubai to Nigeria container shipping options or need transparent Dubai to Nigeria freight rates, our specialists will help you ship a container from Dubai to Nigeria — with clear transit times, competitive pricing, and end-to-end support.
How Long Does Container Shipping from Dubai to Nigeria Take? (Jebel Ali to Lagos, Port Harcourt & West Africa)
Sailing times for FCL ocean freight and sea freight from Dubai to Nigeria are 27–37 days port-to-port from Jebel Ali. Container shipping from Dubai to Lagos departs weekly on all major carrier alliances — making it the most reliable route for full container shipping from the Gulf to West Africa.
Container Types for FCL & Full Container Shipping Dubai to Nigeria
We supply every container type for FCL ocean freight, sea freight, and full container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria. Our team matches the right container size and type to your cargo.
20ft Standard (Dry)
Ideal for dense cargo up to 28 tonnes. 20ft containers suit machinery, metals, tiles, building materials, and general freight on container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria. Capacity: up to 25 CBM / 22,000 kg.
40ft Standard & High Cube
Best for volume shipments and lighter cargo. The 40ft High Cube adds 30cm extra height — ideal for electronics, furniture, textiles, and bulky goods. 40ft container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria is the most popular size. Capacity: up to 67–76 CBM.
Flat Rack & Open Top
For out-of-gauge cargo, heavy machinery, vehicles, or project freight on ocean freight from Dubai to Nigeria. Loaded from the sides or top with no sidewall restrictions.
Nigerian Ports We Ship to from Dubai (Jebel Ali)
Delta Global Cargo delivers FCL container shipping and ocean freight from Dubai to Nigeria via Lagos’s two major seaports. Service is door-to-port — Nigerian import customs clearance and inland delivery are the consignee’s responsibility via their local clearing agent.
Lagos Seaports
2 Major Ports · Weekly SailingsApapa Port
Nigeria’s busiest container and general cargo terminal — the primary gateway for the country’s imports and the main destination for full container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria. Apapa handles the largest share of Nigerian sea freight and serves as the commercial hub for Lagos. MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Evergreen operate weekly direct services from Jebel Ali to Apapa.
Tin Can Island Port
Lagos’s second major container terminal and a key alternative to Apapa. Tin Can Island Port handles significant FCL container volumes and is often preferred for specific commodity types and operators. Delta Global Cargo ships full container load ocean freight from Dubai to Tin Can Island on the same weekly sailing schedules as Apapa.
Why Choose Delta Global for Container Shipping & Ocean Freight from Dubai to Nigeria?
Since 2011, Delta Global Cargo has handled full container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria for importers, exporters, and trading companies across the UAE and West Africa. As an established freight forwarder and container shipping company, we support commercial importers, exporters, and bulk shippers who need dependable FCL freight from Dubai to Nigeria — handling regular container volume, not one-off shipments.
Weekly Direct Sailings
Weekly FCL sailings from Jebel Ali to Apapa and Tin Can Island on all major carrier alliances — no missed windows for your container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria.
Own Container Fleet
We own our 20ft and 40ft containers — no third-party hire fees, priority loading at Jebel Ali, and more specialist FCL rates on your Dubai to Nigeria shipment.
UAE Export Clearance
Our customs team handles full UAE export clearance from Jebel Ali — commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and bill of lading. Nigerian import customs is the consignee’s responsibility.
Real-Time Tracking
milestone status updates on request from Jebel Ali gate-in to Apapa or Tin Can Island port arrival — full visibility on your FCL ocean freight from Dubai to Nigeria throughout the voyage.
Specialist FCL Rates
Long-term agreements with MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Evergreen deliver sharp pricing on full container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria for all commodity types.
Transparent Communication
Clear, regular updates on every container shipping and sea freight from Dubai to Nigeria shipment — from booking confirmation through Jebel Ali gate-in to vessel departure and port arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions — Container Shipping, Ocean Freight & FCL from Dubai to Nigeria
Common questions from importers and exporters about full container shipping, FCL ocean freight, sea freight, and cargo shipping from Dubai to Nigeria.
How long does container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria take?
Transit time for FCL container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria is 27–37 days (port-to-port from Jebel Ali to Apapa or Tin Can Island, Lagos), subject to vessel schedules and port congestion at Lagos. We operate weekly sailings so your cargo departs as soon as it is ready.
How much does FCL shipping from Dubai to Nigeria cost?
Dubai to Nigeria shipping rates depend on container size (20ft or 40ft), current ocean freight market rates, fuel surcharges, and destination port (Apapa or Tin Can Island). Contact us for a free, detailed quote — we respond the same business day with a full breakdown including Jebel Ali origin charges and ocean freight to Lagos.
Do you offer door-to-port or door-to-port shipping to Nigeria?
Delta Global Cargo offers a door-to-port service for FCL shipping from Dubai to Nigeria. We collect cargo from your UAE warehouse, handle UAE export clearance, and deliver the sealed container to Apapa or Tin Can Island port in Lagos. Nigerian import customs clearance and inland delivery are the consignee’s responsibility via their local clearing agent in Nigeria.
What is full container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria?
Full container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria means your goods fill an entire 20ft or 40ft container — also called FCL (Full Container Load). The container is loaded at origin in the UAE, sealed, shipped directly from Jebel Ali Port to Apapa or Tin Can Island, and opened only at the Nigerian port. This is faster, more secure, and more cost-effective than LCL for shipments over 12–15 CBM.
What documents are required for FCL shipping to Nigeria?
UAE export documents include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (B/L), and Certificate of Origin. Delta Global Cargo handles all UAE-side documentation. On the Nigeria side, your clearing agent will require a Form M (pre-import declaration via a Nigerian bank), a PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report), and — for regulated goods — SON/SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme) or NAFDAC certification. We do not provide Nigerian import customs clearance.
Do you offer ocean freight and sea freight from Dubai to Nigeria?
Yes. Ocean freight and sea freight from Dubai to Nigeria is our core FCL service. All containers depart from Jebel Ali Port on weekly sailings to Apapa and Tin Can Island. We work with MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Evergreen to ensure reliable, expertly priced sea freight from Dubai to Nigeria every week of the year.
Can you arrange freight forwarding from Dubai to Nigeria?
Yes. Delta Global Cargo is a licensed freight forwarder based at Jebel Ali, Dubai. Our freight forwarding from Dubai to Nigeria covers UAE export documentation, Jebel Ali customs clearance, and ocean freight booking to Apapa or Tin Can Island. We deliver FCL containers to the Nigerian port — Nigerian import customs and inland delivery are the consignee’s responsibility.
What shipping lines do you use for Dubai to Nigeria?
We book FCL ocean freight from Dubai to Nigeria with major carriers including MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Evergreen — giving you reliable weekly sailings from Jebel Ali Port with full container tracking to Apapa or Tin Can Island.
Can you ship from other UAE emirates to Nigeria?
Yes. Delta Global Cargo arranges UAE to Nigeria shipping from all emirates. Cargo from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah is collected and transported to Jebel Ali Port for FCL loading. All UAE to Nigeria container shipping departs from Jebel Ali on weekly sailings.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping from Dubai to Nigeria?
FCL (Full Container Load) means your cargo fills an entire 20ft or 40ft container, sealed from Jebel Ali to Lagos — faster, more secure, and cheaper per CBM for shipments over 12–15 CBM. LCL (Less than Container Load) shares a container with other shippers and suits smaller consignments. Delta Global Cargo specialises in FCL on the Dubai to Nigeria route.
Container Shipping & Sea Freight from Dubai to Nigeria
Delta Global Cargo specialises in full container load (FCL) ocean freight and sea freight from Dubai to Nigeria. Whether you need container shipping from Dubai to Nigeria, general cargo shipping, or complete freight forwarding from Dubai to Nigeria — our team manages the full process from Jebel Ali Port to Apapa or Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. We provide 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft High Cube containers on weekly sailings with full UAE export clearance included. Nigerian import customs and inland delivery are the consignee’s responsibility. Common FCL shipments on this route include vehicles, used cars, machinery, tiles, building materials, electronics, steel, and textiles. Contact us for current freight rates from Dubai to Nigeria. Looking for UAE to Nigeria freight forwarding? We operate from Deira, Dubai and handle shipping from UAE to Nigeria for businesses of all sizes — from single-container importers to high-volume shippers sourcing from Dubai, China, or Türkiye.
Get a Specialist Quote for Container Shipping & FCL Ocean Freight from Dubai to Nigeria
Weekly sailings from Jebel Ali to Apapa and Tin Can Island. Full container load (FCL) sea freight, ocean freight, and cargo shipping from Dubai to Nigeria — door-to-port.
Estimated FCL Transit Times from Dubai to Nigeria
| Nigerian Port | Route | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Apapa / Lagos | Jebel Ali → Apapa Port | 24–28 days |
| Tin Can Island | Jebel Ali → Tin Can Island | 24–28 days |
| Port Harcourt | Jebel Ali → Port Harcourt | 26–30 days |
| Onne Port | Jebel Ali → Onne Port | 26–30 days |
* Transit times are estimates and exclude customs clearance time at Nigerian ports.
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Related services: Freight Forwarding Dubai to Africa | Container Shipping from Dubai | Customs Clearance Dubai
Apapa Port Congestion — What Every Dubai–Nigeria Shipper Must Know
Apapa Port (Lagos) is Nigeria’s largest container terminal and handles the vast majority of Nigeria’s imports — but it is also one of the most congested ports in West Africa. Shippers who are unprepared for this reality face significant demurrage charges and operational delays. Understanding this upfront is the difference between a smooth shipment and an expensive one.
Free Time is Limited
Most shipping lines allow only 5–7 days free time at Apapa before demurrage begins. With port queues, this free time can expire before your consignee even accesses the terminal. Have your customs agent ready before vessel arrival.
Pre-Clear Before Arrival
Nigerian customs allows pre-arrival assessment (Form M, SON/NAFDAC pre-clearance) to be completed before the vessel docks. Shippers who pre-clear typically release containers in 3–5 days; those who don’t may wait 2–4 weeks or longer.
Tin Can as Alternative
Tin Can Island Port (adjacent to Apapa) often has shorter queues for certain terminal operators. For importers with flexibility, routing via Tin Can can reduce demurrage exposure. Ask Delta Global when booking.
Delta Global’s recommendation: Ensure your Nigerian customs broker (licensed by NCS — Nigeria Customs Service) has all clearance documents in hand 7–10 days before estimated vessel arrival at Apapa. We provide all UAE export documentation well in advance to support this timeline.
FCL Freight Rate Ranges — Dubai to Nigeria
The rates below are market-indicative planning figures. Final pricing depends on commodity, vessel schedule, carrier selection, and surcharges at time of booking. Nigerian port charges and clearing fees are additional and vary by agent.
| Destination Port | Transit Time | 20ft FCL (USD) | 40ft FCL (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apapa / Lagos | 14–18 days | USD 1,800 – 2,600 | USD 2,400 – 3,400 |
| Tin Can Island / Lagos | 14–18 days | USD 1,800 – 2,600 | USD 2,400 – 3,400 |
| Port Harcourt / Onne | 16–20 days | USD 2,100 – 3,000 | USD 2,800 – 3,900 |
| Calabar | 18–22 days | USD 2,200 – 3,200 | USD 3,000 – 4,200 |
All rates are Jebel Ali to Nigerian port (CY–CY basis), excluding Nigerian port charges, terminal handling, clearing agent fees, and inland transport. Request a full cost breakdown including demurrage protection advice.
Frequently Asked Questions — FCL Shipping Dubai to Nigeria
What is a Form M and why is it required for shipping to Nigeria?
Form M is a mandatory import declaration document issued by a CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria)-approved bank in Nigeria. It must be obtained by the Nigerian importer before cargo is shipped from Dubai. Without a valid Form M, customs clearance in Nigeria cannot proceed. Delta Global advises clients to confirm Form M status with their Nigerian consignee before booking the shipment.
How long does shipping from Dubai to Lagos take?
FCL shipments from Jebel Ali to Apapa or Tin Can Island (Lagos) typically take 14–18 transit days by sea. Add 5–21+ days for port clearance at Apapa depending on your consignee’s preparedness and port congestion at the time of arrival.
Which Nigerian port should I use — Apapa or Tin Can Island?
Both ports serve Lagos and are adjacent to each other. Apapa is the larger terminal but frequently congested. Tin Can Island often offers faster container release for certain terminal operators. Delta Global will recommend the best option for your cargo and consignee location at time of booking.
What certificates do I need to import goods into Nigeria from Dubai?
Basic requirements include Form M, Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO), packing list, commercial invoice, and bill of lading. Regulated goods require additional certificates: electronics and electrical goods need SON/SONCAP certification; food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics require NAFDAC registration; used vehicles need SON age verification.
Does Delta Global offer LCL (groupage) shipping to Nigeria?
Yes. For shipments that do not fill a full container, Delta Global offers LCL consolidation from Jebel Ali to Lagos. Cargo is consolidated with other consignments into an FCL, shipped to Apapa, and de-consolidated at a Lagos CFS (Container Freight Station) for individual collection.