When shipping goods from the UK to Nigeria, one of the biggest decisions is whether to send them by air freight or sea freight. Each method has its pros, cons, and cost differences — and your choice can affect delivery time, budget, and cargo safety.
Quick Answer: Air freight is best for urgent, small-to-medium cargo that needs delivery within days. Sea freight is more cost-effective for heavy, large, or non-urgent shipments.
1. Quick Comparison Table – Air vs Sea Freight
| Feature | Air Freight | Sea Freight |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 5-7 days | 6-8 weeks |
| Cost | From £4.8/kg | From £1.70/kg |
| Best For | Urgent parcels, electronics, perishables | Furniture, barrels, bulk cargo |
| Reliability | High | Moderate |
| Tracking | Real-time | Port-to-port to office and door updates |
| Customs Clearance | Handled by Cargonaija | Handled by Cargonaija |
2. Air Freight – Fast but Pricier
Advantages:
Delivery within 5-7 business days
Ideal for time-sensitive goods like electronics, spare parts, or urgent documents
High reliability and less exposure to damage
Real-time tracking from collection to delivery
Disadvantages:
More expensive (from £4.8/kg)
Limited cargo size due to aircraft restrictions
Example:
Sending a 20kg package from London to Lagos:
Air freight: £96
Delivered in within a week
3. Sea Freight – Affordable for Bulk Cargo
Advantages:
Cheapest method for heavy or large items
Flexible for barrels, cars, furniture, and machinery
Ideal for non-urgent deliveries
Less size and weight restrictions
Disadvantages:
Slow delivery (6-8 weeks)
Weather and port delays possible
Example:
Sending 100kg of goods from Manchester to Lagos:
Sea freight: £170
Delivered in 6-8 weeks
4. How to Decide – Air or Sea?
Ask yourself:
Is it urgent? → Choose air freight.
Is it heavy and non-urgent? → Choose sea freight.
Is your budget tight? → Sea freight saves up to 60%.
Do you need fast customs clearance? → Air freight is usually quicker.
5. Hybrid Shipping – Best of Both Worlds
Cargonaija also offers split shipping:
Urgent goods via air freight
Non-urgent bulk via sea freight
This approach balances cost and speed.
6. FAQ – Air vs Sea Freight to Nigeria
Q: Which is safer, air freight or sea freight?
A: Both are safe, but air freight has less handling, so fewer chances of damage.
Q: Can I ship barrels by air?
A: Yes, but it’s costly — sea freight is more practical for barrels.
Q: Is air freight worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, if your delivery is urgent or high-value.
7. Final Word
Whether you choose air or sea freight, Cargonaija ensures safe, reliable delivery from the UK to Nigeria with full customs clearance and tracking.
📞 Call Now: 0203 904 5521
💬 WhatsApp: 07960476939
📧 Email: bookings@cargonaija.com
