Sourcing products internationally allows Nigerian businesses to buy goods directly from manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors in other countries. Depending on the product, this can provide access to lower wholesale prices, specialised products, larger suppliers and items that may not be readily available locally.
But finding a supplier is only the beginning. You also need to consider product quality, minimum order quantities, shipping, customs, documentation, exchange rates and the cost of getting the goods to your final destination in Nigeria.
Decide What You Actually Want to Import
Before searching for suppliers, define the product clearly.
Consider:
- Product specifications
- Required quantity
- Target purchase price
- Quality requirements
- Packaging
- Brand or private-label requirements
- Expected selling price in Nigeria
- Shipping requirements
- Required delivery timeframe
A vague product description can make it difficult to compare suppliers. For example, instead of searching for simply “shoes,” specify the type, material, sizes, quantity and quality level you need.
This also makes it easier to request comparable quotations from different suppliers.
Choose the Right International Market
Your sourcing country should depend on the product you want to buy.
China can be useful for manufacturers and large-scale wholesale sourcing. Dubai and the wider UAE can provide access to extensive trading and wholesale markets. The UK and United States may be more suitable for certain branded or specialised products, while India can be relevant to particular pharmaceutical, textile, chemical and industrial categories.
Do not choose a country based only on the supplier’s advertised price.
Compare the landed cost, which includes the product price, international freight, insurance, customs charges and other logistics expenses.
Find and Compare Multiple Suppliers
Avoid relying on the first supplier you find.
Contact several suppliers and request comparable information, including:
- Unit price
- Minimum order quantity
- Product specifications
- Production time
- Packaging details
- Weight and dimensions
- Shipping options
- Payment terms
- Sample availability
- Certifications
- Warranty or after-sales arrangements
Comparing several suppliers can reveal significant differences in price, quality and delivery conditions.
If possible, order samples before committing to a large commercial shipment. A product photograph or online listing does not always represent the quality of the goods you will actually receive.
Verify the Supplier Before Paying
International sourcing creates additional risks because you may be dealing with a company thousands of kilometres away.
Before making a significant payment, verify the supplier’s business details and check whether the company can provide proper commercial documentation.
Ask questions about:
- Company registration
- Manufacturing or warehouse location
- Export experience
- Product certifications
- References or transaction history
- Payment terms
- Inspection arrangements
Be cautious about suppliers who pressure you into immediate payment or refuse to provide basic information about the products and transaction.
Calculate Your Full Import Cost
The supplier’s quotation is not your final cost.
A basic landed-cost calculation can be structured as:
Product Cost + Freight + Insurance + Customs + Port/Clearing Costs + Local Delivery = Estimated Landed Cost
Nigeria Customs states that customs valuation uses the transaction value as the primary method where the applicable conditions are met, with qualifying costs such as transport to the Nigerian port, handling and insurance potentially added to the customs value. (Nigeria Customs Service)
You should therefore estimate these expenses before deciding how much to order.
For resale businesses, divide the estimated landed cost by the number of units to determine your approximate cost per product.
Check the HS Code and Import Requirements
The product’s HS code is important because tariff classification affects the applicable customs duty and can also determine regulatory requirements.
Nigeria’s official Tariff and CET Lookup Portal allows importers to search HS classifications, duty information and import restrictions. (NCS Tariff & CET Lookup Portal)
The Nigerian Trade Information Portal also provides product-specific import procedures, including documentation, applicable duties and taxes, regulatory requirements and restrictions. (NTIP – Nigerian Trade Information Portal)
Some products may require approvals from agencies such as SON, NAFDAC or other relevant regulators. For example, SON states that SONCAP certification applies to regulated products and that the relevant certificates are used in the Form M and customs-clearance processes. (Son)
Check these requirements before placing the order rather than waiting until the goods arrive in Nigeria.
Choose the Right Shipping Method
Your sourcing decision should include transportation from the supplier to Nigeria.
Air freight may be suitable for smaller, urgent or relatively lightweight shipments.
Sea freight can be more appropriate for larger commercial shipments where volume makes air transportation expensive.
Ask your logistics provider whether the quotation covers only international freight or also includes origin charges, destination charges, customs-related services and local delivery.
The cheapest freight quotation is not necessarily the cheapest complete logistics solution.
Protect Your Money and Product Quality
International sourcing works better when payment and quality risks are controlled.
Depending on the transaction, consider:
- Using secure payment methods
- Starting with a smaller order
- Requesting product samples
- Using an independent inspection service
- Confirming specifications in writing
- Checking packaging before shipment
- Keeping invoices and shipping documents
For larger orders, a pre-shipment inspection can help identify obvious quality or quantity problems before the goods leave the supplier’s country.
Keep Your Import Documents Organised
For commercial imports into Nigeria, documentation can include a commercial invoice, packing list, Form M, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, relevant certificates and applicable permits.
The current Nigerian import procedure also involves importer registration, HS-code verification, applicable permits, Form M, customs assessment and clearance. The official guidance notes that some processes can run in parallel and that customs clearance requires a licensed customs agent. (NTIP – Nigerian Trade Information Portal)
Keeping the supplier’s product description, invoice, packing information and shipping documents consistent can make the import process easier to manage.
How Travo.ng Can Support International Sourcing Logistics
Travo.ng can support the logistics side of international sourcing once your goods need to move within Nigeria.
For example, after an international shipment arrives at a Nigerian port or airport, you may need transportation from the logistics facility to your warehouse, shop, office or customer. Travo.ng can support relevant cargo delivery, transportation coordination and vehicle hire requirements.
This is particularly useful for businesses that source internationally but need to organise reliable domestic movement after their goods arrive in Nigeria.
Travo.ng is not Nigeria Customs Service and does not replace a licensed customs agent for statutory customs declarations and clearance. Its role is to support the wider transportation and logistics requirements surrounding the movement of goods.
Start Small Before Scaling Your Orders
If you are sourcing a product internationally for the first time, you do not necessarily need to start with a large shipment.
A smaller test order can help you assess:
- Product quality
- Supplier reliability
- Actual shipping cost
- Customs and import requirements
- Delivery time
- Customer response
- Potential profit margin
Once the process works and the numbers make sense, you can consider increasing your order quantity.
International sourcing is ultimately about more than finding a cheap supplier. The strongest process is one where you verify the supplier, confirm the product, calculate the landed cost, understand Nigerian import requirements and plan the delivery before placing a large order.
