Amazon is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, and Nigerians can shop for products ranging from electronics and clothing to books, home items and accessories.
However, shopping on Amazon from Nigeria is not exactly the same as ordering from a Nigerian online store. Some products can be delivered directly to Nigeria, while others require an international shipping or package-forwarding arrangement.
Can You Buy From Amazon in Nigeria?
Yes. Nigerians can create an Amazon account, browse products and place orders, but not every Amazon product is available for direct delivery to Nigeria.
Amazon determines international delivery eligibility based on factors such as the product, seller, size, weight and delivery address. Amazon’s international delivery information specifically lists Nigeria among supported destinations for eligible orders. (DigprjSurvey)
The easiest way to check is to enter your Nigerian delivery address before completing your order. Amazon will then show whether the particular product can be delivered to that address.
How to Shop on Amazon From Nigeria
The basic process is straightforward:
- Create or sign in to your Amazon account.
- Add your Nigerian delivery address.
- Search for the product you want.
- Check whether the product ships to Nigeria.
- Add the item to your cart.
- Review shipping and applicable import charges.
- Choose the available delivery option.
- Complete payment.
- Track the shipment until delivery.
Amazon’s shipping charges can depend on the delivery method, product category, weight and package dimensions. (DigprjSurvey)
What If Amazon Does Not Ship the Product to Nigeria?
This is where package forwarding becomes useful.
If a particular Amazon seller does not deliver to Nigeria, you can use a freight-forwarding company that provides a US or UK warehouse address.
The process generally works like this:
- Register with a forwarding service.
- Receive your overseas warehouse address.
- Buy the product from Amazon.
- Send the product to the warehouse.
- The forwarder receives your package.
- The package is shipped to Nigeria.
- You receive it at the agreed Nigerian destination.
This option can also be useful when buying several products from different US stores because some forwarders allow packages to be consolidated before international shipping.
How Much Does Amazon Shipping to Nigeria Cost?
There is no single Amazon shipping price for every Nigerian customer.
Amazon calculates international delivery based on the shipment and delivery details. Its published Nigeria rates currently show AmazonGlobal Priority delivery at £21.99 per delivery plus either £4.99 per kg for most categories or a per-item rate for books, music, DVDs, games and software. The exact amount shown at checkout depends on the specific order. (DigprjSurvey)
Your overall cost can therefore include:
- Product price
- International shipping
- Import fees or duties where applicable
- Package forwarding fees
- Customs-related charges
- Local delivery
- Currency conversion or payment charges
Always check the complete cost before confirming an expensive order.
What Can You Buy From Amazon?
The products available to Nigerian shoppers can vary, but common purchases include:
- Phones and accessories
- Laptops and computer accessories
- Books
- Clothes and shoes
- Watches
- Home appliances
- Beauty products
- Baby products
- Car accessories
- Business equipment
- Educational materials
Some products may have international shipping restrictions because of their size, contents, seller policies or other import and transportation requirements.
Amazon Bazaar in Nigeria
Amazon also has a separate shopping experience called Amazon Bazaar available in Nigeria. Amazon describes Bazaar as a value-focused shopping app featuring products in categories such as fashion, home goods and lifestyle, with many products priced below $10. Amazon says eligible orders can qualify for free delivery when they meet the local minimum purchase requirement. (Amazon News)
This is different from using the main Amazon marketplace to purchase products from international sellers.
How to Pay for Amazon Orders From Nigeria
Your payment method needs to support international online transactions.
Depending on your bank and card, a Nigerian-issued Visa or Mastercard may work for an eligible Amazon purchase. If your regular card does not work, customers may need another internationally accepted payment method.
Before repeatedly attempting a failed payment, check your bank’s international transaction settings and make sure the billing information matches the card details.
Shipping Amazon Orders to Lagos and Other Cities
If Amazon or your forwarding company sends the package to Nigeria, make sure the final delivery information is accurate.
Provide:
- Full recipient name
- Active Nigerian phone number
- State
- City
- Complete delivery address
- Useful access instructions
For deliveries outside Lagos, confirm whether the shipping arrangement includes final transportation to your city or whether you will need a separate local delivery arrangement.
Amazon Orders for Business and Reselling
Amazon can also be useful for Nigerian businesses sourcing specialised products, equipment, accessories or items for resale.
If you are importing products commercially, calculate the complete landed cost before deciding your selling price.
For multiple purchases, package consolidation can help simplify transportation. You should also maintain an inventory of the items purchased and keep invoices and shipping documents.
Tribal and Cultural Considerations
Nigeria has different communities and local delivery practices, so clear recipient information is important.
If an Amazon package is being delivered to a family compound, estate, office, market or business premises, provide specific instructions and make sure someone is available to receive it.
For products with cultural or religious significance, check the product description carefully and make sure the item is appropriate for its intended use rather than relying on assumptions about different Nigerian communities.
Using Travo.ng for Amazon-Related Logistics
Travo.ng can assist with practical logistics requirements when goods need to be transported, delivered or coordinated within Nigeria.
For Amazon purchases that require additional transportation after arriving in Nigeria, relevant services can include cargo logistics, delivery coordination and local transportation arrangements.
When requesting assistance, provide the package details, origin, Nigerian destination, approximate weight and whether the item is already in Nigeria or still needs international shipping.
Check These Things Before You Click Buy
Before paying for an Amazon order from Nigeria, check:
- Does the seller ship the product to Nigeria?
- What is the complete shipping charge?
- Are import charges included?
- How long is the estimated delivery?
- Is the product restricted from international shipping?
- Does the item require special handling?
- Will you need a forwarding address?
- What is the final delivery arrangement in Nigeria?
Amazon can be a useful option for Nigerian shoppers, but the cheapest product price is not necessarily the cheapest final cost. Compare the product price, international shipping and other applicable charges before placing the order.
