Educational • Jul 16, 2025 • 3 min read
Airfreight from South Africa to Nigeria: What You Should Know
Shipping goods by air from South Africa to Nigeria is a fast, reliable option for businesses and individuals needing urgent or time-sensitive deliveries. Whether it’s raw materials, personal items, or finished products, air freight offers a dependable solution. In this blog post, we will explore what to expect when shipping from South Africa to Nigeria.
Oluwakemisola Olosunde
Shipping goods by air from South Africa to Nigeria is a fast, reliable option for businesses and individuals needing urgent or time-sensitive deliveries. Whether it’s raw materials, personal items, or finished products, air freight offers a dependable solution. Here's a clear and practical guide on what to expect.
Why Choose Air Freight?
Air freight is ideal when speed matters. Most shipments from Johannesburg to Lagos or Abuja arrive within 2–5 days. Although more expensive than sea freight, it offers:
Speed – great for urgent orders
Security – lower risk of damage or loss
Convenience – simpler documentation for smaller shipmentsAir freight is best suited for high-value, time-sensitive, or low-volume cargo.
Steps to Plan Your Shipment
Check Import Requirements.
Ensure your goods are allowed in Nigeria and meet safety, handling, and regulatory standards.
Select a Suitable Service.
Choose between standard and express shipping. For smaller loads, consolidation services help reduce costs.
Prepare Documentation
You’ll typically need:
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Airway billI
Import permit (if required)
Product safety documents (for chemicals or pharmaceuticals)
Work with a Freight ExpertA good freight forwarder will help with:
Pickup from supplier
Export clearance from South AfricaImport clearance in Nigeria
Final delivery to your doorstep
What Happens During Shipping?
Collection: Cargo is picked up and prepped in South Africa
Flight: Shipped to Nigeria by air (direct or via consolidation)
Customs: Nigerian authorities review paperwork; proper documentation is essential
Delivery: Cleared cargo is transported to your address or warehouse
Costs to Expect
Air freight charges are based on chargeable weight (whichever is greater between actual and volumetric weight). You should also budget for:
Customs duties & VAT
Airport handling feesWarehouse storage (if applicable)
Delivery from airport to destination
Insurance (optional but recommended)
Tips for a Smooth Shipment
Plan early – paperwork and bookings take time
Be clear – accurate cargo descriptions help avoid customs delays
Stay connected – communicate with your freight agent throughout
Work with pros – experienced logistics providers understand local systems and can resolve issues quickly
Need help with airfreight to Nigeria? Contact Electra Global Logistics Limited to get a quote and shipping advice.
