- 22 years moving households & cargo
- 1,213+ moves delivered door to door
- 4.8 / 5 200 client-feedback responses
- One coordinator from quote to delivery
Moving from India to Nigeria connects two of the most dynamic emerging economies in the world, and it is a well-travelled corridor. Nigeria has a large, long-established Indian community and decades of Indian commercial involvement in manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals and trade — from Lagos to Abuja and the industrial centres beyond. For families and businesses making the move, the logistics need to match the scale of the opportunity, and that is what Seemleius delivers.
The India–Nigeria move starts at the India end and ends with customs clearance under the Nigeria Customs Service. Lagos is the dominant gateway, and the route has reasonable sea connectivity — but Nigerian import procedures are detailed, so the value we add is in preparing documentation thoroughly at both ends and keeping the move moving.
Freight routes and customs
The India end begins with export clearance through ICEGATE: a shipping bill filed under the Customs Act, AD code registration at the originating port, and packing to export standard. Sea freight departs Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra, Chennai or Cochin and runs to Nigeria’s principal ports — Apapa and Tin Can Island in Lagos, with Onne and Port Harcourt serving the east. Some services route directly, others tranship through a hub; transit is typically in the range of 25 to 38 days port to port depending on routing.
Air freight runs from Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), Bengaluru (BLR) or Chennai (MAA) into Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja, with several direct and one-stop services and flying times of roughly 8 to 12 hours. The Nigeria Customs Service administers import clearance; used personal and household effects accompanying a genuine relocation are assessed under transfer-of-residence and personal-effects provisions, and we confirm the documentation, Form M and duty position before dispatch.
Indian export clearance
Shipping bill filed on ICEGATE, AD code registration and FEMA-aware documentation managed at Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Chennai or Cochin — so the shipment leaves India correctly.
Nigeria’s customs regime
Nigeria Customs Service clearance at Apapa or Tin Can Island, with Form M, documentation and transfer-of-residence relief confirmed in advance to avoid demurrage.
Sea and air options
Sea via Lagos for household and commercial volumes (25 to 38 days); air via Lagos or Abuja when the schedule demands it (around 8 to 12 hours).
One coordinator, both ends
The same person manages your India packing survey, ICEGATE documentation, dispatch and Nigeria clearance — no handover gaps across the corridor.
Who moves on this corridor
The India–Nigeria route carries a broad mix. Household movers include professionals and families on multi-year postings, and members of the established Indian community relocating or returning. Business and office relocations are frequent given the deep Indian corporate footprint in Nigerian manufacturing, FMCG, steel, pharmaceuticals and trading. Commercial freight covers machinery, project cargo and trade goods, often shipped alongside office and household consignments.
Where we deliver in Nigeria
We move regularly to Nigeria’s major cities and their surrounding areas: Lagos and its industrial belt; Abuja, the federal capital; Port Harcourt and the Niger Delta; Kano and Kaduna in the north; Ibadan, Benin City and Onitsha. Onward road delivery from Lagos or Port Harcourt reaches each of these. If your destination is not listed, ask us — we deliver across the whole country.
How your move works
- India-side survey. We assess volume and contents at your home or office in India — in person in major cities, or by video — and return a clear quote with sea and air options and realistic Lagos arrival windows.
- Export documentation. Indian export paperwork is prepared: shipping bill filed through ICEGATE, AD code confirmed, packing list, invoice and any FEMA-related declarations relevant to your move.
- Pack and dispatch. Our crew packs to export standard from your India origin, and the shipment is booked and dispatched on the confirmed route to Nigeria.
- Clear and deliver in Nigeria. We manage Nigeria Customs Service clearance, advise on transfer-of-residence relief, and coordinate onward road delivery to your address.
Wherever in Nigeria you are heading, request a quote and your coordinator will walk you through the right starting point for a move from India.