In recent times, exporting goods from Nigeria is fast becoming a booming business. There are loads of things you could possibly export from Nigeria to other parts of the World and make great profits. You could export coals, crude oil, Textiles, Nigerian crafts and loads of cash crops and agricultural produce from Nigeria.
The Federal Government of Nigeria encourages people from all sectors to export goods from Nigeria to other parts of the world. Government agencies like the Bank of Industry (BOI) support and issue loans to young entrepreneurs who produce goods that are unique to go into exportation of such goods. All you need to do is to check the requirements and apply as required.
One of the major challenges exporters from Nigeria face is the problem that emanates from cargo logistics and Warehousing. The truth is that if these factors are properly handled and managed, then you might have little to worry about as an exporter from Nigeria.
If you have challenges dealing with cargo logistics and warehousing as an exporter from Nigeria, then the following tips might be of great help to you and your business;
Exporting From Nigeria: How to Deal with Cargo Logistics and Warehousing
1. Search for All the Cargo Logistics Companies Available in Nigeria
There are loads of clearing and forwarding agencies that could help you export your goods from Nigeria. It is to your advantage to research on all the options you have. It is important to do these because if you have got options, you wouldn’t have to cope with unpleasant customer services and unnecessary time wastage that you might most likely face with some of this cargo logistics handling companies.
2. Engage only Reliable Cargo Logistics Firm
If you don’t want to lose your clients due to some of the excuses that some of these cargos handling companies give, then you should choose to deal with only reliable ones. Although there are very unreliable cargo logistics companies out there, there are also highly reliable ones. How do you expect your client who is on the other end expecting to receive goods already paid for, handle being told that the goods are still in either the Seaport or Airport? With exporting business, you just have to do all you can to meet with the time frame you agreed upon with your purchaser; that is why you must choose to deal only with a reliable Cargo logistics Company.
3. Put Plan B in Place
As a smart businessman (exporter) you must have a plan B. there are times you might have to get your goods from one shipping company to another if you are experiencing delays with them. Although you are likely going to spend more money on transports and other stuff when switching to your plan B, but the truth is that if you want to be taken seriously by your customers and you want to continue to do business with them, then you must do all it takes to export the goods they have paid for.
4. Sign an Agreement with Your Choice of Cargo Logistics Company
Make sure you thoroughly go through all the required documents provided to you by the Cargo Logistics Company you chose to deal with before signing any agreement with them. In case if you are not familiar with the legal terms in some of those documents, then you should make use of the services of your lawyer. The reality is that most people sign stuff that ordinarily they would not have signed if they were properly briefed. Bottom line therefore is that you should not deal with any Cargo logistics company that doesn’t provide you with an agreement document. This is very important, because it saves you from some possible challenges you are likely going to face.
5. Choose a Warehouse Facility that is well located
The position you choose to locate your warehouse is a key factor to the success of your exporting business. It is important to choose a location that is either close to the factory or site where you get your goods from or a location that is close to a Seaport or an International Airport. If you are in Lagos, securing a warehouse in Oshodi – Apapa expressway might be your best choice. This is so because the busiest Seaport in Nigeria is located in Apapa Wharf and the busiest Airport in Nigeria is located in Ikeja, still on same axis.
6. Ensure You Purchase Insurance Cover for Your Warehouse
What is the use of having a warehouse where you are expected to keep goods meant for export and not having an insurance cover . To avoid exposing yourself to unnecessary risks and liability, it is very important to buy insurance cover for your warehouse. There are loads of reliable insurance companies that you might want to do business with in Nigeria.
7. Use Only Reliable Trailers
If you ply major express roads in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, you would realize the havoc caused on the roads by trailers carrying containers to and from the Apapa Wharf. So to avoid any problem that might likely going to emanate from your exporting business, then you must make sure you engage only reliable Trailers and Trailer Drivers as well. If you choose to make use of cheaper and unreliable trailers and trailer drivers, you stand the chance of having your container seized by the Lagos state government (LASTMA) when your trailer breaks down on the road. It might cost you more to use reliable trailers, but the truth is that in the long run, it will save you time and money.
These are some of the ways you can deal with Cargo Logistics challenges that you might likely face as an exporter from Nigeria. The certainty is that if you comply with all existing laws governing the importing and exporting industry in Nigeria and you follow the tips discussed above, then you are likely going to run a smooth exporting business from Nigeria.