By 9jaDirectory Trade Team | Updated: November 2025
Import/export is Nigeria's hidden goldmine. One shipping container (20ft) costs ₦1M-₦2M to fill and sells for ₦3M-₦5M. That's ₦1M-₦3M profit per shipment.
Do 4-6 shipments per year and earn ₦6M-₦18M. No employees needed.
Why Import/Export?
- ✅ High margins: 100-300% typical
- ✅ Recurring revenue: Build long-term distributor relationships
- ✅ Scalable: Easy to handle multiple shipments
- ✅ Government support: Lots of incentives for traders
Best Products to Import
High-demand items: Electronics (phones, laptops), Fashion (bulk clothing), Raw materials (textile, steel), Food products (rice, flour), Machinery (generators, pumps).
Step 1: Get Your Licenses & Registration
- CAC registration (₦50K-₦100K, 2 weeks)
- TIN (Tax ID) from FIRS (free, same day)
- NCS registration (customs) (free, same day)
- Nigerian customs portal registration (CRMS) (free)
Total cost: ₦50K-₦100K. Time: 1 week.
Step 2: Secure Capital & Find Suppliers
Startup cost for 1 shipment: ₦2M-₦5M (product + shipping + customs + documentation).
Finding suppliers: Alibaba.com, Global Sources, trade shows in China/Turkey. Negotiate bulk discounts (50+ units = 30-40% off).
Step 3: Handle Customs & Documentation
Required docs: Proforma invoice, bill of lading, packing list, commercial invoice, import license.
Customs duty: 5-35% depending on product. Factor this into pricing.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks from order to delivery (with proper documentation).
Real Example: Electronics Import
Buy 500 units in China: Cost ₦500K per unit = ₦250M total order. (Too much? Start smaller: 50 units = ₦25M investment.)
Shipping: ₦2M-₦3M. Customs/Duty: ₦5M. Documentation: ₦500K. Total cost: ₦32.5M.
Sell at ₦100K per unit = ₦50M revenue. Profit = ₦17.5M (54% margin!).
Your 90-Day Launch Plan
- Month 1: Register CAC, TIN, NCS, customs portal
- Month 2: Research products, find suppliers, secure capital
- Month 3: Place first order, arrange shipping, clear customs
First shipment arrives by Month 4.
Import/Export 101: What You’re Really Doing
Import/export is a logistics + compliance + sales business. Your profit comes from buying well, landing goods legally, and selling fast without currency risk destroying margins.
Choose the Right Product (3 Filters)
- Demand: people already buy it regularly.
- Margin: after shipping and duties, there’s still profit.
- Compliance: avoid products with heavy regulation unless you’re ready.
Compliance Checklist (Nigeria)
Exact requirements depend on product category, but these are common foundations:
- CAC registration: most serious trade requires a registered business (CAC guide).
- TIN + business bank account
- Regulators: NAFDAC (food/cosmetics), SON (standards), customs/NCS processes.
- Documentation: invoices, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill.
How to Cost Your Shipment (Avoid Loss)
Use “landed cost” so you don’t guess pricing:
- Supplier cost + shipping + insurance + clearing + duties + inland logistics = landed cost
- Landed cost + your margin = selling price
Avoid Scams (Supplier Vetting)
- Start with small test orders before bulk.
- Use verified platforms/escrow where possible.
- Ask for live video proof of goods and factory.
- Keep all agreements in writing (invoice + terms).
Selling Strategy (Before Goods Arrive)
Don’t import and hope. Pre-sell or secure buyers early:
- Build a buyer list (wholesalers, retailers, corporate supply).
- Post samples and specs online (videos sell).
- Offer early-bird pricing for bulk buyers.
To generate leads, list your import/export business on 9jaDirectory and include the categories you supply.
Costing (The Formula That Saves You)
Your profit is made at the buying stage. Use this simple formula:
Supplier cost + shipping + insurance + clearing + duties + inland logistics = landed cost.
Then price your goods with margin plus a buffer for FX changes and delays.
Incoterms (Beginner-Friendly)
- FOB: supplier delivers to port; you handle shipping onward.
- CIF: supplier covers cost + insurance + freight to your port (confirm what is included).
Ask your freight forwarder which option reduces risk for your product category and destination.
FX Risk (Don’t Let Profit Disappear)
Currency moves can wipe out margin. Reduce risk by pre-selling to buyers, keeping a buffer, and updating prices when exchange rates move significantly.
FAQ
Do I need to import a full container?
No. Many people start with shared shipments (groupage) and scale to containers after they have repeat buyers and reliable supply.
How do I get buyers before goods arrive?
Pre-sell using samples, a price list, and proof of shipment. The best importers sell before landing to reduce cashflow pressure.
Common Mistakes (Avoid Expensive Lessons)
- No landed-cost calculation: profit disappears when you guess duties and logistics.
- No buyer before shipment: inventory sitting in a warehouse kills cashflow.
- Weak documentation: delays and extra charges happen when paperwork is incomplete.
- No FX buffer: exchange-rate changes can wipe out margin.
Pre-Shipping Checklist
- Confirm landed cost and selling price (with buffer).
- Confirm documents are complete before goods arrive.
- Insure high-value shipments where possible.
- Have at least 3 serious buyers or pre-orders before you scale.
- Keep records of supplier chats, invoices, and receipts.
This checklist reduces delays, cashflow stress, and “surprise fees” that wipe out profit.
Conclusion
Import/export can be profitable, but it’s not gambling. Win with accurate costing, compliance, supplier vetting, and pre-selling to buyers.
FAQ (Final)
Do I need a clearing agent?
For your first shipments, an experienced clearing agent can save time and costly mistakes. Over time, learn the process so you can verify costs and avoid overcharging.
Air freight or sea freight?
Air is faster but more expensive and best for small, high-margin items. Sea is cheaper per unit and best for bulk, but takes longer and needs stronger cashflow planning.
How do I reduce FX risk?
Price with a buffer, collect deposits, and avoid committing to fixed prices for long periods when rates are unstable. Small test shipments also reduce risk.
Next Step
If you sell imported products, make it easy for buyers to verify you: list your business on 9jaDirectory and add your WhatsApp, product list, and service areas.
