How to Import Nigerian Agricultural Commodities: A Step-by-Step Trade Process Guide

Many first-time buyers of Nigerian agricultural commodities are uncertain about how the trade process works, from initial inquiry to cargo arrival at their destination port. This step-by-step guide demystifies the entire process for new and experienced importers alike.

Step 1: Submit Your Product Inquiry

Begin with a detailed Request for Quotation (RFQ) specifying the commodity, target quality grade, quantity in metric tons, desired packaging, preferred Incoterms (FOB/CIF), destination port, and target loading month. A well-specified RFQ allows exporters to prepare a precise commercial offer without ambiguity.

Step 2: Receive and Evaluate the Commercial Offer (Proforma Invoice)

The exporter will respond with a Proforma Invoice (PI) detailing unit price, total contract value, packaging specification, loading port, payment terms, and validity period. Buyers should review the PI carefully, particularly the quality specifications, payment structure, and shipping terms before accepting.

Step 3: Contract Execution and Deposit Payment

Upon agreement of all terms, a formal Sales and Purchase Contract is executed between buyer and seller. Standard payment for first-time trade relationships is 30% deposit by T/T (telegraphic transfer) to activate the contract, with the balance of 70% payable against shipping documents (Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, SGS Inspection Report).

• 30% T/T advance to confirm contract and initiate procurement
• Cargo procurement, processing, and quality grading: 2–4 weeks
• Pre-shipment SGS inspection scheduled at seller's warehouse
• 70% balance payment released against scan of shipping documents

Step 4: Pre-Shipment Inspection

SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) or Bureau Veritas inspection is arranged by the exporter at their processing facility or bonded warehouse. The inspector verifies weight, moisture content, purity grade, and packaging condition, issuing a Certificate of Quality and Weight that forms part of the shipping document package.

Step 5: Export Documentation and Customs Clearance

The exporter handles all Nigerian export customs formalities, including NEPC (Nigerian Export Promotion Council) registration, SON (Standards Organisation of Nigeria) certification where applicable, and customs export declaration. The standard export document package includes Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, and SGS Report.

Step 6: Ocean Transit and Arrival at Destination

Transit time from Port to major European terminals ranges from 18 to 26 days depending on the shipping line and port of discharge. Asian destinations (Shanghai, Tianjin, Busan) average 24 to 35 days. The buyer arranges destination import customs clearance using the original shipping documents provided by the exporter.