Lagos moves parcels mostly by courier and dispatch rider. The postal service exists, but most people do not rely on it for anything urgent.
Within Lagos
Dispatch riders on motorbikes carry documents and parcels across the city the same day, booked through apps or by calling a dispatch company. Ask for a tracking link or the rider’s number, pack well, and pay the agreed price.
Across Nigeria
Courier companies and the bus companies’ parcel services carry parcels between cities, often overnight. Get a waybill, and keep it until the parcel arrives.
NIPOST
The Nigerian Postal Service runs post offices and an express service, and is cheaper than private couriers. It is slower and less predictable for anything time-sensitive.
Sending abroad
International couriers have offices in Lagos and will collect. You need to declare the contents, and some items — food, cash, medicines and many documents — have rules or are banned. Ask before you pack.
Receiving from abroad
Parcels from overseas can attract import duty and VAT, collected by Customs or by the courier on its behalf before delivery.
- Expect to pay on larger or valuable items; keep the invoice to show their value.
- Be wary of messages asking you to pay a “clearance fee” for a parcel you are not expecting. That is a common scam.