How to Import from China to Nigeria and Start a Profitable Business- 2025 Guide Even From Just 1 Pcs

Nigerian wholesalers and retailers are making consistent profits.

But many first-time importers fail due to:
❌ Fake or unreliable Chinese suppliers
❌ Unsafe payment methods
❌ Delays or hidden shipping costs

This guide will show you step-by-step how to safely import from China to Nigeria, avoid common mistakes, and build a profitable importation business.

Why Import from China to Nigeria?

• Low factory prices: Products on platforms like 1688 are often cheaper than buying locally.
• High demand in Nigeria: Nigerians need daily-use products like blenders, fans, wigs, and phone accessories.
• Profit margin: Mini importers often earn 30%–100% profit depending on the product.

👉 If you’ve ever searched “how to import from China to Nigeria”, this guide will give you the full roadmap.

Step 1: Choose the Right Product for the Nigerian Market

When importing, don’t just follow trends. Focus on what people need, not only what they want.

Best-selling imports from China to Nigeria (2025):

• 📱 Electronics & gadgets (power banks, Bluetooth speakers, phone accessories)
• 👗 Fashion items (wigs, bags, shoes)
• 🏠 Home & kitchen appliances (blenders, kettles, pressing irons, rechargeable fans)
• 🚗 Auto parts & accessories (filters, cables, batteries)

💡 Pro tip: Start small — test 10–50 pieces in Alaba Market, Computer Village, or WhatsApp reseller groups before placing bulk orders.

Step 2: How to Find & Verify Reliable Chinese Suppliers

Finding a trustworthy supplier is the hardest part of importing from China.

Verification checklist:

• ✅ Use 1688 Verified Factory or Alibaba Gold Supplier badges
• ✅ Request their Chinese business license (营业执照) and confirm online
• ✅ Check if they have SGS, TÜV, or Bureau Veritas inspection certificates

Red flags (avoid these suppliers):

• Prices far below market average
• Only accept risky payments (Western Union, unverified WeChat)
• No factory address or business license

Step 3: Inspect Your Products Before Shipping

Never rely on product photos alone. Always verify goods before they leave China.

Options for product inspection:

• Hire a third-party inspection company (SGS, AsiaInspection, TÜV)
• Work with sourcing partners who provide photos & videos before shipment
• Platform example: Azambe / JIT offers free product inspections. Alternatively.

👉 Watch this YouTube tutorial: “How to Verify Chinese Suppliers & Inspect Goods” for beginners.

Step 4: Safe Payment Methods for Nigerians

Many Nigerians lose money due to unsafe payments.

Safer ways to pay Chinese suppliers:

• Pay via secured company platforms with escrow
• Use Naira or USD payments through trusted sourcing partners, who then pay suppliers in RMB

⚠️ Avoid: Direct transfers to strangers on WeChat, WhatsApp, or Western Union. 

Step 5: Shipping from China to Nigeria (Air vs Sea)

There are two main shipping methods:

• 🚢 Sea Freight: Cheapest for bulk goods. Takes 4–6 weeks.
• ✈️ Air Freight: Faster (3–12 days), but costlier. Best for small, urgent goods.

DDP (Door-to-Door Shipping) is highly recommended for new importers:

• Customs cleared in China & Nigeria
• No hidden charges
• You only wait for pickup in Lagos or delivery to your address.

Step 6: Avoid Common 1688 Importation Traps

1688 is Nigeria’s favorite platform for cheap goods, but many first-time importers fall into traps:

❌ Hidden costs – product is cheap, but shipping is expensive
❌ MOQ confusion – some sellers require 100+ units
❌ Fake quality – pictures look perfect, goods arrive substandard
❌ Payment risk – platform only supports RMB, many lose money via fake agents

💡 Solution: Always confirm real product price + logistics cost upfront, and use trusted payment agents or sourcing companies.

Step 7: Practical Tips for Nigerian Importers

✅ Start with mini importation – Test demand with small orders before bulk buying

✅ Join WhatsApp/Telegram reseller groups – Build a customer base quickly

✅ Sell in tested markets – Alaba, Computer Village, Aba, or Lagos Island

✅ Avoid stockpiling – Order in batches to prevent dead stock

✅ Learn from free resources – Many Nigerian YouTubers post mini importation tutorials

Step 8: Professional Support (Optional)

For wholesalers and retailers who want to reduce risks, sourcing platforms or agents can provide:

• Verified 1688/Alibaba suppliers
• Safe Naira payment with RMB transfer in China
• Quality inspection (photos & videos before shipping)
• Consolidated air & sea freight with customs clearance
• Lagos warehouse pickup or door delivery

This is a good option if you want to focus on selling while someone else manages logistics. 

With JIT & Azambe Shop, managed by Lizzy, you can import like a pro – from product sourcing in China to delivery in Nigeria.
👉Start Importing with： LIZZY Sourcing Linkedin 

FAQs About Importing from China to Nigeria

Q1. How much do I need to start importing from China to Nigeria?
You can start mini importation with as little as ₦100,00 (~$10).

Thanks to 1-piece shipping, you can even begin with just a single item before scaling up.

Q2. Do I need CAC registration to start importing?
No. CAC is optional but it builds trust with customers and partners. 

Q3. What is the safest way to pay Chinese suppliers?
Through verified sourcing platforms, escrow, or trusted RMB agents. Avoid direct transfers to strangers.

Q4. How long does shipping from China to Nigeria take?

• ✈️ Air freight: 5–12 days (suitable for small or one-piece orders)
• 🚢 Sea freight: 4–6 weeks (better for bulk orders)

Q5. Can I buy from 1688 in Nigeria without speaking Chinese?
Yes, but you need a sourcing partner to handle translation, RMB payment, and supplier verification. Most also support mini importation and one-piece orders.

Why Choose Lizzy & Azambe Shop?
✨ 10+ years helping Nigerians import safely
✨ Direct factory prices, no agent fee
✨ Free sourcing & inspection
✨ Lagos warehouse pickup
✨ WhatsApp & Telegram support groups

Call to Action – Get Started Today 🚀
👉 Register on Azambe Shop
👉 Contact Lizzy (JIT Manager) for one-on-one support
👉 Join our importer community to learn and grow your business
📩 Message Lizzy Now – Your Trusted China to Nigeria Partner
🔥 Join the Importer Community Today.[+234 813 622 3723]

Final Thoughts

Importing from China to Nigeria is not about chasing the cheapest price — it’s about building a reliable supply chain. With the right product, trusted suppliers, safe payments, and secure shipping, you can grow from a small mini-importer into a major distributor.

👉 Next Step: Start small, learn the process, and scale as your business grows. Join trusted importer communities, and always verify before you buy.