That number does more than show where a shipment is. Its updates can reveal that a parcel is moving through customs, waiting for additional information or delayed because duties and taxes remain unpaid. Since scammers also imitate DHL notifications, it is important to know how to recognise a genuine message.

This guide explains how to track a DHL Express shipment in Nigeria, what the tracking updates mean, how to manage a delivery while it is in transit and how to identify a fraudulent DHL message.

Where to find your DHL tracking or waybill number

For DHL Express shipments, the tracking number and waybill number are the same. It is a 10-digit numerical code created when the shipment is booked and printed beside the barcode on the waybill.

Numbers that are longer or contain letters may belong to another DHL business, such as DHL eCommerce, which commonly uses alphanumeric tracking numbers of around 16 characters.

If you are receiving a shipment, the sender creates the waybill. Your supplier, online retailer or business partner should provide the number in the shipping confirmation or order email. If you cannot find it, contact the shipper directly. DHL recommends asking the sender for the waybill number when it has not been received.

Businesses that import regularly can also use a shipper’s reference, such as an order number or invoice number, if it was added to the waybill during booking. DHL Express account holders can search by reference using the account number and a date range, making it easier to locate a shipment when the waybill number is not immediately available.

1. Open the DHL Express tracking page for Nigeria. You do not need an account or password.

2. Enter the 10-digit waybill number.

3. To check several shipments at once, separate the numbers with a comma, space, semicolon or tab.

4. Review the tracking results, including the shipment’s location, time stamp and the reason it was handled there.

The results may also show the shipment’s weight, number of pieces and the DHL Express service selected at booking.

If a newly issued waybill number produces no results, the shipment may simply not have reached a DHL facility yet. Tracking events commonly appear within 24 to 48 hours after the waybill is created.

Once the shipment has been delivered, the tracking record usually includes the delivery date and time, along with the name of the person who signed for it.

What does a customs hold mean?

A shipment that stops moving after arriving in Nigeria may have been placed on hold by customs. This does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the goods. A customs hold can happen when authorities need:

• Additional or corrected shipment information

• Commercial invoices or other supporting documents

• A security or compliance review

• A physical inspection

• Payment of duties and taxes

Once the required information is provided, an inspection is completed or the outstanding charges are paid, customs can release the shipment. DHL’s customs clearance service supports the process of moving international shipments through customs.

Paying duties and taxes

Import duties and taxes are normally the responsibility of the importer. The amount depends on factors such as the customs value of the goods, their tariff classification and their country of origin. Businesses can estimate import duties in Nigeria before placing an order, which helps prevent unexpected delays after the shipment arrives.

DHL may request payment by email or SMS when duties and taxes are due. Before payment is processed, a one-time password is sent to the receiver’s registered contact. Receivers without a DHL account may also be charged an administrative fee when DHL pays duties on their behalf.

DHL Express account holders have additional options. Depending on the arrangement, DHL may be able to support faster customs clearance and invoice the duties for payment on an agreed date. The shipper can also choose to have duties and taxes billed to the shipper rather than the receiver.

Through On Demand Delivery, eligible receivers may be able to select a delivery preference, such as:

• Receiving the shipment on another delivery date

• Redirecting it to an alternative address

• Authorising delivery without a signature, where available

• Holding it at a DHL Express facility for collection

Available options depend on the shipment, destination and local delivery arrangements. If Collection is selected, DHL sends a notification when the shipment is ready.

How to recognise a fake DHL tracking message

Because delivery notifications often contain links or payment requests, scammers frequently impersonate DHL. Treat a message with caution if it includes any of the following:

• A shortened link, such as a URL beginning with bit.ly

• A sender name such as “Delivery” instead of a recognisable DHL contact

• A phone number with an unexpected country code

• An email sent from Gmail, Yahoo or another free email service rather than a DHL domain

• A request for payment that is unrelated to customs duties and taxes

• A payment request that does not include DHL’s one-time-password process

Do not click suspicious links or share passwords, card details or verification codes. If you receive a message that appears to be fraudulent, report it to phishing@dhl.com. Include a screenshot and, for an SMS, the sender’s phone number. DHL’s fraud awareness guidance provides further information on recognising suspicious communications.

Manage every shipment from one DHL Express account

Tracking one shipment requires only its waybill number. Managing regular imports and exports requires a more complete view: shipment references, customs information, duty payments and delivery records in one place.

A DHL Express business account helps bring these processes together. Businesses can access shipping tools, manage repeat bookings, track shipments and work with DHL Express customs expertise to support smoother international deliveries from Nigeria. Open a DHL business account to ship, track and manage customs with DHL Express.

Frequently Asked Questions