
Navigating the import world can feel like tiptoeing through a maze of hidden costs and unexpected setbacks. Think about machinery left idle at Tin Can Port or new inventory gridlocked for weeks these aren’t one-off headaches, but signs of deeper logistical missteps.
For established Nigerian businesses whether you’re importing raw materials, machinery, or finished goods, choosing your delivery solution isn’t just another box to tick. It’s the heart of your supply chain, shaping everything from cash flow to customer trust.
The Nigerian Import Trilemma
Every business that imports into Nigeria faces a familiar balancing act:
Speed vs. Cost: Air freight moves your goods fast but comes at a premium. Ocean freight is more economical, but timelines can stretch, especially when customs delays come into play.
Reliability vs. Flexibility: Standard shipping offers predictability, but real-world disruptions think port strikes or weather can throw the best plans off course.
Scale vs. Accessibility: Bulk shipping lowers per-unit costs, but getting those goods from ports to inland hubs like Kano or Onitsha adds another layer of complexity.
Import Delivery Solutions That Fit Your Needs
Whether you’re in high-stakes manufacturing or fast-moving retail, there’s a tailored import solution to keep your operations running smoothly.
Urgent Industrial Parts to Keep Production Moving
For manufacturers in Lagos, Ogun, or Port Harcourt, delays can mean costly downtime. DHL Express offers 78-hour deliveries to Nigeria’s major industrial zones, ensuring critical parts arrive when you need them. It’s not just fast—it’s a safeguard for your bottom line.

Bulk Raw Materials Delivered Inland Without the Bottlenecks
Agricultural processors in Kano and textile importers in Aba know that port congestion isn’t just inconvenient; it’s expensive.
DHL Global Forwarding’s combined ocean and secured barge routes clear customs in transit, then deliver direct to your location via bonded trucks. The result? Reliable turnarounds without runaway inland transport costs.
Peak-Season Inventory for E-Commerce
During sales surges like Black Friday, traditional logistics can stall at the port. DHL Supply Chain’s hybrid model splits your shipments: air express delivers your priority SKUs, while sea freight handles the rest. Inventory is staged at temperature-controlled hubs in Lagos or Ibadan, so your shelves stay stocked and customers stay happy.
Safe Delivery for High-Value Luxury Goods
Luxury retailers face unique risks on Nigeria’s expressways, from theft to rising insurance premiums. DHL Express offers secure transit and proven security protocols, protecting your shipments every step of the way.
Smarter Cost Controls in a Volatile Market
The right logistics partner does more than move goods, they help you protect your margins:
Duty Deferment: DHL’s Duty Deferment Program gives verified importers up to 30 days to settle customs payments, easing cash flow during busy periods.
Pallet Consolidation: Share container space with other businesses to maximize efficiency and reduce per-shipment costs.
- Naira-Based Billing: Lock in local currency rates to shield your budget from currency swings and surprise fees.

Why DHL?
DHL is more than a delivery service. We’re your strategic partner in import logistics.
Trusted Reputation: As Nigeria’s leading third-party logistics provider, we bring decades of experience to every shipment.
National Reach: With hubs across the country, we make pickups and drop-offs simple, whether it’s a single parcel or heavy machinery.
Expertise That Scales: Our industry know-how helps our partners grow, adapt, and compete no matter the challenge.
Ready to simplify your imports? Open a DHL business account today and put our experience to work for you.
Take Control of Your Supply Chain
Nigeria’s import challenges won’t fix themselves but they can be managed. With DHL’s specialized solutions, you trade uncertainty for control. Imports become a lever for growth, not just another operating cost. Stay ahead of the competition, dodge the queues, and turn logistics into your competitive edge.