Personal phones, laptops and new appliances travel to Nigeria routinely — Nigeria runs 220–240V with UK-style plugs, so devices work on arrival. Used fridges, freezers and air conditioners are prohibited. Commercial electronics need SONCAP, and lithium batteries are restricted by air.
Electronics are one of the most-sent categories on this route and one of the most rule-bound. Most of it is straightforward — but a few items are prohibited outright, and the battery rules catch people at the airport end rather than in Nigeria.
The quick version
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phones, laptops, tablets (personal) | Fine | Send by air; back up first |
| New TVs and appliances | Allowed with duty | SONCAP for commercial volumes |
| Generators | Allowed | Must be completely drained of fuel |
| Solar panels and inverters | Allowed with duty | Battery rules apply by air |
| Used fridges, freezers, air conditioners | Prohibited | New units are fine |
| Electronics for resale | Restricted | SONCAP + duty; declare honestly |
| Radio / satellite equipment | Restricted | Needs NCC approval |
| Drones | Restricted | Permits and security clearance |
Voltage is not the problem people expect
Nigeria runs on 220–240V at 50Hz with the same three-pin plug as the UK, so a British kettle, TV or blender works on arrival without an adapter. That is genuinely one fewer thing to worry about.
The real issue is supply quality. Mains power can fluctuate and cut, which is harder on electronics than any voltage difference. If you are sending something expensive, send a surge protector or stabiliser with it — cheap here, and it is what protects the thing you actually care about.
Batteries and air freight
Lithium batteries are classed as dangerous goods by air, and the rules are stricter than most people realise. As a general shape: a device with its battery installed usually travels; loose spare batteries and power banks frequently cannot.
Personal devices versus commercial stock
The certification rules exist for importers, not for someone sending a laptop to their brother. Personal quantities among household effects clear normally. Volume is what changes the classification — twenty identical handsets is a business import regardless of whose name is on the barrel, and it needs SONCAP and duty handled properly.
If you are genuinely importing stock, say so up front. It is entirely doable — it just needs setting up correctly rather than discovered at clearance.
Packing electronics so they survive
- Back everything up before it leaves you, and remove locks only you can clear.
- Original boxes if you have them — they were designed for exactly this.
- Wrap in clothing and bury in the middle of the barrel, away from the walls.
- Never on the bottom — that is where the rice and tins go.
- Drain all fuel from generators and any petrol tool, without exception.
- Photograph serial numbers before sending, for your own records.
Air or sea for electronics?
Air, for anything valuable. It is handled fewer times and spends days rather than weeks in transit, and the price difference on a single laptop is small against the risk. Bulky items like TVs and appliances are usually better by sea, where their size costs you far less — see air vs sea and watch the volumetric weight on big light boxes.
Check any specific item with our items checker, and tell us about batteries, generators or commercial quantities when you request a quote.
Common questions
Can I send a laptop or phone to Nigeria?
Yes. Personal devices in small numbers travel routinely and are best sent by air — fewer handling points and days rather than weeks in transit. Back everything up first, and remove any lock that only you can clear.
Do electronics need SONCAP?
Commercial electronics do. Personal devices among your household effects generally do not. The line is quantity and intent — a laptop is personal, twenty identical phones is an import. If you are sending stock, tell us and we will explain the certification.
Will UK appliances work in Nigeria?
Voltage is compatible — Nigeria runs 220–240V like the UK, and uses the same three-pin plug. The real issue is supply: mains power can be unstable, so a surge protector or stabiliser is worth sending with anything expensive.
Can I send a generator?
Yes, with duty and SONCAP for commercial units — but it must be completely drained of fuel and oil first. A generator with fuel in it is dangerous goods and will be refused by the carrier, so drain it before collection.
Are there restrictions on batteries by air?
Lithium batteries are restricted as dangerous goods by air. Devices with a battery installed are usually fine; loose spare batteries and power banks often are not. Tell us what you are sending and we will route it correctly, or send it by sea instead.
Can I send a used fridge or air conditioner?
No. Used refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and compressors are specifically prohibited imports. New ones are allowed with duty. This is one of the most common surprises on the list.