How to choose a China to Nigeria cargo agent: 8 questions to ask
Eight questions on pricing, clearance, warehouses, tracking and payment to ask before choosing a China to Nigeria cargo agent, plus the most common traps.
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When choosing a China to Nigeria cargo agent, confirm three things first: the quote lists what is and is not included, the agent has its own clearance team in Lagos, and you get a bill of lading number or tracking details. Then ask about warehouse addresses, how transit time is measured, payment options and how problems are handled, and get it in writing before you ship.
Information updated: 2026-10-05
8 questions to ask
- Is the price to the port or to the door? Are duties, VAT and clearance included?
- What is not included? Is there a written quote?
- Does the agent have its own clearance team in Lagos, or pass the cargo to a local agent?
- What are the exact addresses of the warehouses in China and Nigeria?
- Is the transit time port to port or door to door?
- Will you get a bill of lading number, container number or tracking details?
- Which payment methods and currencies are accepted?
- How are loss, damage or port holds handled? Is the cargo insured?
Common traps
- A very low quote, then clearance and extra charges added after arrival.
- Only a contact's phone number, with no company name or warehouse address.
- No tracking at all, only verbal updates.
- Advice to under-declare the value to save duty, which leads to revaluation and penalties.
Frequently asked questions
How can I lower the risk the first time?
Send a small trial shipment first and check that the price, transit time, tracking and delivery match what was promised before you send larger volumes.
The agent says duties are included. How do I check?
Check that the written quote lists duty, VAT, clearance and inspection charges item by item, and states which cases are charged extra.