Used excavators, wheel loaders and other construction machinery from Europe are in steady demand in Nigeria. Machinery is heavier and less standard than a truck, so the shipping method and the pre-purchase checks matter more.
This guide covers how to check a machine you cannot see in person, how it is usually shipped, and what to have ready for clearance in Lagos or Onne.
Indicative shipping cost and transit time
| Destination port | Vehicle | Method | Estimate (EUR) | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos (Tin Can Island) | Plant / Machinery | RoRo | €3,500 – €6,500 | 25–45 days |
| Lagos (Apapa) | Plant / Machinery | RoRo | €3,500 – €6,500 | 25–45 days |
| Onne (Rivers State) | Plant / Machinery | RoRo | €3,700 – €6,800 | 28–48 days |
Indicative port-to-port ocean freight from Europe, taken from the same rate card as the shipping estimator on every VehicleMarkt listing. It excludes import duty, taxes, destination terminal and clearing charges, inland transport and insurance. Prices vary with size, weight and sailing — get a firm quote before you buy.
Step by step
- 1
Choose the vehicle and agree the price with the dealer
Shortlist vehicles from dealers in Europe and ask each one for the full specification, recent photos of the chassis, engine bay and tyres, the service history and the registration document details. Agree the price in writing, including whether it is quoted with or without VAT for an export sale and whether delivery to the port is included.
- 2
Get an independent inspection before you pay
Buying unseen from another continent is where most problems start. Book an independent pre-purchase inspection so someone with no stake in the sale checks the vehicle against the advert: chassis number, hours or kilometres, leaks, structural damage and whether it starts and drives. VehicleMarkt lists independent inspectors you can contact directly.
- 3
Pay safely and get the export paperwork started
Pay the dealer by bank transfer to a business account in the dealer's own company name, never to a private or third-country account you were given by message. Once paid, the dealer deregisters the vehicle for export and prepares the invoice and export declaration. Keep copies of everything — your clearing agent will need them.
- 4
Choose how the machine travels
Tracked and wheeled machines that can move under their own power are commonly shipped RoRo, sometimes on a trailer ("mafi") in the ship. Machines that are too large, or not running, may need a flat rack or specialist project cargo service. Small machines and attachments can go in a container. Give shippers the exact dimensions and operating weight so the quote is accurate.
- 5
Clear the vehicle through customs in Nigeria
Appoint a licensed clearing agent in Nigeria before the ship arrives. They lodge the import declaration, arrange any physical examination, calculate the duties and taxes due and tell you what you must pay before release. Terminal storage charges usually start after a short free period, so have funds and documents ready on arrival.
Typical documents
- Commercial invoice from the dealer showing the chassis/VIN number, price and buyer details
- EU export declaration (MRN), usually lodged by the dealer or the forwarder — this is also what allows the dealer to sell to you without charging VAT
- Bill of lading issued by the shipping line (the original or a telex/express release)
- Proof of payment to the dealer
- Your import documents in the destination country, prepared with your clearing agent
- Machine identification details (serial/PIN number, year and hour meter reading), photographed during inspection
- Cleanliness: machinery should be washed before shipping — shipping lines may refuse or charge extra for machines with soil or debris on them
Requirements differ by country and change over time. Treat this as a starting checklist and confirm the full list with your shipper and a licensed clearing agent.
On arrival in Nigeria
Machinery can arrive at Lagos (Apapa or Tin Can Island) or at Onne. Ask your shipper which terminal handles heavy RoRo cargo on your sailing, and arrange a low-loader for the onward journey in advance.
Nigerian import formalities, including Form M through an authorised bank, apply to machinery as well as vehicles. Your clearing agent will confirm the classification and duties for your specific machine.
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to ship an excavator to Nigeria?
The table on this page shows VehicleMarkt's indicative RoRo band for plant and machinery to Nigerian ports. The final price depends on the machine's size and weight, so always get a quote with the exact dimensions.
Should I ship an excavator in a container?
Only small machines, such as mini excavators, and attachments usually fit in a container. Larger machines normally go RoRo or on a flat rack.
What should an inspector check on a used excavator?
At minimum: the serial number against the paperwork, hour meter, undercarriage and track wear, hydraulic leaks, slew ring play, boom and stick for cracks or welds, and a cold start with all functions operated.
Do the shipping estimates include duty and port charges?
No. The estimates on this page are indicative ocean-freight bands from VehicleMarkt's rate card. They do not include import duty, taxes, terminal and clearing charges at the destination, inland transport, or insurance unless a shipper's quote says so. Get a firm quote from a shipper and a cost estimate from your clearing agent before you buy.
Are there age limits or extra charges for older vehicles?
Several countries in West and East Africa set rules or extra charges based on a vehicle's age, and these change from time to time. VehicleMarkt does not publish duty rates or age limits because they are set by each country's customs authority. Confirm the current rules for your exact vehicle and year with a licensed clearing agent before you pay the dealer.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or customs advice. Duties, age rules and import procedures are set by each country and change; confirm them with a licensed clearing agent before you buy. Last reviewed September 2026.
