If you’re relocating to Nigeria, your international move will require much more than packing up your belongings in a suitcase and catching the next flight out. There will be a lot of meticulous planning and proper documentation to ensure a stress-free experience.
The last thing you want is to end up arriving in Nigeria only to have your goods held or confiscated. Read on for information on required documents, custom regulations and shipping requirements to have you ready for your Nigerian relocation in no time!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
You won’t get far when relocating to Nigeria without proper immigration and shipping documentation when clearing customs. These documents should be received a minimum of 20 to 30 days in advance of the arrival of your shipment to avoid any additional charges of demurrage.
Be sure to contact your international moving company and/or Destination Agent if you have any questions about the process.
When moving Nigeria, you will need:
- Valid passport (original, verifying your arrival date)
- Visa (must be obtained prior to departure from Nigerian Consulate or Embassy)
- Bill of Lading (front page signed)
- Work permit
- Residence permit (note: in order to apply for Form ‘M’, you must obtain a personal bank account while in Nigeria)
- Certificate of Residence Change
- Form Sale 48
- Inventory list (in English)
- PUBD Form (must be completed after you arrive in Nigeria)
- Authorization letter allowing Destination Agent to clear the shipment
- Clean Report of Inspection
- Clean Report of Finding
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
When moving to Nigeria, there are specific rules you’ll need to abide by when shipping your household goods to the country:
- Nigerian customs rules are subject to change at any time and without prior notice
- You must be present at customs in order for your shipment to be cleared
- If you are a returning Nigerian, you must have been abroad for no less than nine months
- If your household items and personal effects are owned for at least six months, they are generally duty free
- Your shipment must arrive within two months of your arrival in Nigeria
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Most countries have a list of items that are not allowed in the country whatsoever. In Nigeria, you cannot import:
- Air pistols, firearms and explosives
- Counterfeit money
- Narcotics
- Pornographic or any obscene material (including books, paintings, cards, etc.)
- Blank invoices
- Meat, vegetables or other provisions deemed unfit for human consumption by a health officer
- Second-hand clothing
- Endangered species
- Ivory
- Dangerous chemicals
- Textile fabrics
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Each country has specific items that are subject to duties and taxes, have limitations on weight and/or quantity, or require special permission. When moving to Nigeria, some of these items include, but may not be limited to:
- Alcohol and tobacco (subject to import duties, but do not require an import permit if packed in a household shipment in reasonable quantities)
- Jewelry
- Perfume
- Household appliances (limited to one of each)
- All videotapes, discs, films, publications, computers, CDs, DVDs, and similar items will be inspected by customs (duties apply)
- Personal computers, microwaves, washing machines, dryers and deep freezers (all subject to duties)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If your daily travel in Nigeria requires a vehicle, you’ll probably want to consider taking your car with you. Be aware that you may only import your vehicle for your own continued use, and it must not be for resale or other disposal. Vehicles eight years old or older are prohibited.
If you plan on shipping your vehicle to Nigeria, you will need:
- Proof of ownership
- Registration certificate
- Proof of insurance/insurance documents
- Original passport
- Purchase invoice
- Make, model and serial number of the auto
- Certificate of Road Worthiness (if vehicle is used)
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Have a family pet you plan on taking with you to your new home in Nigeria? You won’t have to worry too much about leaving your pets behind when moving, but you will need to have the proper documents to ensure your little companion makes it through customs safely.
General pet importation rules in Nigeria:
- Birds of the parrot family are not allowed
- Quarantine required (length of time will vary)
- Rabies vaccination must be administered no more than 10 days prior to arrival
- Documents required for all pets:
- Import permit (animals without an import permit will be re-exported or destroyed)
- Inoculations
- Health certificate
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves are much more complex than a local or long distance move, as they come with numerous expenses and strict custom regulations. The most important part of your move will be finding full-service international movers or freight forwarders that have proper licensure and insurance.
Need help finding international moving companies to help you with your move to Nigeria? You can get started here at Movers.com by submitting our free quote form, which will connect you with up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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