Many Nigerian businesses struggle with choosing the right warehouse size because landlords price warehouses in square meters (sqm), while actual storage efficiency depends on pallet positions. These two metrics often confuse importers, distributors, and eCommerce operators.
This warehouse size guide Nigeria (sqm vs pallet positions) simplifies everything you need to know so you can pick a warehouse that is cost-efficient, safe, and aligned with your inventory flow. Travo.ng also provides expert logistics support to help businesses select and use warehouse space more effectively.
Why Warehouse Size Matters
Selecting the right warehouse size affects operating cost, safety, handling speed, and your ability to scale.
A warehouse that’s too large wastes money.
A warehouse that’s too small disrupts your supply chain.
The goal is to match your storage needs to the right space.
Understanding SQM in Nigerian Warehousing
Most warehouses in Nigeria are advertised based on square meters. SQM simply measures floor area. However, two warehouses with the same sqm can store completely different amounts of goods because:
- Ceiling heights vary
- Aisles take up space
- Racking systems differ
- Layouts may be inefficient
This means sqm alone does not tell you how many cartons or pallets a warehouse can hold.
What Pallet Positions Mean
A pallet position represents a single storage slot for one pallet.
It is the most accurate way to understand storage capacity.
A warehouse with 800 pallet positions can hold exactly 800 pallets — regardless of its sqm.
Businesses using pallets, racking, or organized storage must calculate pallet positions to avoid over—or under—estimating capacity.
How SQM and Pallet Positions Relate
While there is no fixed conversion, Nigerian warehouses generally fall within these ranges:
Floor stacking (no racking)
- 1 sqm commonly supports 0.6 to 0.8 pallet positions
Racked warehousing
- 1 sqm can support 1.2 to 2.5 pallet positions depending on height
This variation shows why SQM alone is not enough to choose a warehouse.
Why Warehouse Height Matters
Height determines how many rack levels you can install. In Nigeria, typical warehouse heights include:
- 6–8m: only suitable for floor stacking or 2 levels of racks
- 9–12m: standard for 3–4 rack levels
- 12–16m: high-bay, suitable for large-scale storage
A 1,000 sqm low-height warehouse may store 500 pallets.
A 1,000 sqm high-bay warehouse may store 2,000 pallets.
Same floor size, four times the capacity.
Aisle Width and Warehouse Layout
Aisle width determines how tightly you can arrange racking.
- Wide aisles (3–4m) allow easy forklift movement but reduce pallet capacity.
- Narrow aisles (2–2.8m) increase pallet positions but require specialized equipment.
The layout — including entry points, loading bays, and column spacing — also impacts how much usable space you have.
Recommended Warehouse Sizes in Nigeria
Below is a practical guide based on typical business needs, expressed without tables:
Small Businesses / SMEs
Most SMEs operate comfortably within 150–400 sqm, which translates to about 120–300 pallet positions depending on layout.
Retailers and FMCG Operators
Retail distribution networks usually require 500–1,500 sqm, delivering around 500–2,000 pallet positions with racking.
Importers and Distribution Companies
Import-heavy businesses benefit from 1,000–5,000 sqm, offering 1,200–7,500 pallet positions depending on warehouse height.
3PL and eCommerce Fulfillment Centers
Third-party logistics operations often need 2,000–8,000 sqm, supporting 2,500–12,000 pallet positions for fast-moving inventory.
These ranges will vary by building specification, racking height, and inventory type.
Cost Considerations in Nigeria
Warehouse costs vary widely across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Key cost factors include:
- Rent per sqm
- Power consumption (very high for large warehouses)
- Racking installation
- Security and facility management fees
Racking alone typically costs between ₦45,000 and ₦110,000 per pallet position, based on height and design.
Understanding pallet positions helps you avoid paying for space you don’t actually need.
How Travo.ng Helps You Choose the Right Warehouse Size
Travo.ng provides practical support throughout your warehouse selection and setup process.
Accurate Warehouse Sizing
We analyze your SKU count, turnover rate, and storage method to recommend the correct sqm and pallet positions.
Layout and Racking Planning
Travo.ng helps you design an efficient warehouse layout that increases usable capacity and reduces handling time.
Transport and Logistics Support
From port pickup to last-mile distribution, Travo.ng ensures seamless flow of goods into and out of your warehouse.
Final Thoughts
This warehouse size guide Nigeria (sqm vs pallet positions) gives you a clear understanding of how to choose the right warehouse size based on real storage needs. By focusing on pallet capacity rather than just sqm, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and scale confidently.
Travo.ng is ready to help you choose, optimize, and operate the ideal warehouse for your business.
