RoRo or container, Apapa or Tin Can: how the two Lagos ports differ for truck imports, and how to keep demurrage off your invoice.
Nigeria's truck imports overwhelmingly clear through Lagos — Apapa and Tin Can Island. The ports are neighbours but behave differently; choosing well (and timing well) saves real money.
Apapa
The older, larger port complex, historically the centre of general cargo and RoRo traffic. Apapa's constraint is congestion — road access is the bottleneck, not the quay. If your unit clears here, your agent's relationship with the terminal and trucking schedule matters more than anything on the ocean side.
Tin Can Island
Built for containers and bulk, with strong container services from Asia. Container-shipped trucks (knocked down or in 40ft high-cubes for smaller units) often route here. Container handling is generally more predictable; oversized units can be constrained.
RoRo versus container
| Factor | RoRo | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Loading | Drive on/drive off | Lift-on/lift-off, possible partial disassembly |
| Handling damage risk | Lower | Higher without proper bracing |
| Cost structure | Per unit, length/height based | Per box, plus packing/bracing |
| Schedule flexibility | Fewer services | Many weekly services |
| Best for | Complete heavy trucks | Smaller trucks, multi-unit project loads |
For complete HOWO-class trucks, RoRo is usually cleaner. For a fleet of small tankers or skip-loader packages with bins, containers can win on total cost.
Insurance
Nigerian trade practice requires marine insurance placed with a Nigerian insurer as part of the Form M pack — arrange it early so it is not a last-day scramble.
Demurrage discipline
- Confirm free time (often 7–14 days) before sailing
- Pre-file documentation so clearance starts before berthing where possible
- Book trucking out of the port in advance — gate queues are real costs
Arrival planning
Ask the supplier for the vessel name, ETA and bill of lading copy as soon as issued. The factory's job ends with clean documents; from berthing, your clearing agent runs the clock.
Regulatory figures and duty rates change. Always confirm current requirements with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Customs Service and your licensed clearing agent before you ship.