Short answer
Key takeaways
- Regulator: NAFDAC
- Main entry port: Apapa (Lagos)
- Sea transit 25–31 days
- Mixed-category containers keep landed cost low
Why Nigeria buyers import surgical supply from India
India is one of the world's largest manufacturers of surgical instruments, disposables and hospital consumables. In Nigeria, demand comes mainly from fast-growing private hospitals and state health ministries, and Indian sourcing typically lowers unit cost by 25–45% versus European brands while keeping CE and ISO certification.
Step 1 - Shortlist a certified exporter
Ask for the ISO 13485 certificate, CE documentation and export references in Africa. GlobalSurgicals shares these with every catalogue request.
Step 2 - Check NAFDAC requirements
Most surgical products need to be registered or notified with the NAFDAC before customs clearance. Your exporter should supply the dossier below.
- ISO 13485:2016 certificate of the manufacturing site
- CE certificate or declaration of conformity per product family
- Certificate of Free Sale issued in India
- Technical file / product dossier formatted for the NAFDAC
- Certificate of origin, commercial invoice and packing list
- Batch-wise certificate of analysis and sterilisation validation (for sterile items)
Step 3 - Agree price, Incoterms and payment
Most Nigeria importers buy CIF Apapa (Lagos) or CFR. Common terms are T/T advance balance against B/L copy, or L/C at sight for tenders.
Step 4 - Ship and clear customs
LCL consolidation works from 1 CBM; distributors usually move to 20' or 40' FCL once they combine categories. Sea freight to Apapa (Lagos) takes 25–31 days.
Step 5 - Build a repeat supply schedule
Set quarterly call-off orders so stock is produced ahead of your demand peaks and price is locked for the year.
Mistakes that slow down a first import
Most delays on a first shipment to Nigeria come from avoidable gaps rather than the regulation itself.
- Asking for samples after placing the bulk order instead of before
- Splitting one order across several unverified exporters
- Submitting a NAFDAC dossier with mismatched certificate dates
- Ordering single-category containers instead of consolidating, which inflates freight per unit
A realistic first-order timeline
Most new buyers in Nigeria move from first enquiry to cleared cargo in 10–14 weeks: 1–2 weeks for samples and catalogue review, 2–3 weeks for NAFDAC paperwork, about a week to confirm production, then 25–31 days of sea transit to Apapa (Lagos).
Sea freight
25–31 days
To Apapa (Lagos) from Mundra or Nhava Sheva. Best for FCL/LCL container orders and mixed-category shipments.
Air freight
3–5 days
From Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi or Chennai. Best for urgent, tender or high-value orders.
Documents we provide for NAFDAC
- ISO 13485:2016 certificate of the manufacturing site
- CE certificate or declaration of conformity per product family
- Certificate of Free Sale issued in India
- Technical file / product dossier formatted for the NAFDAC
- Certificate of origin, commercial invoice and packing list
- Batch-wise certificate of analysis and sterilisation validation (for sterile items)
Where healthcare construction is growing in Nigeria
- Lekki - rapid residential and private hospital construction
- Abuja - federal and private hospital projects
Get the Nigeria surgical supply catalogue
Full catalogue and a CIF price list for Nigeria, sent within one business day.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a surgical supply catalogue for Nigeria?+
Request it on the GlobalSurgicals catalogue form or WhatsApp our export desk. We send the full catalogue and a Nigeria price list (CIF Apapa (Lagos)) within one business day.
How long does shipping from India to Nigeria take?+
Sea freight to Apapa (Lagos) takes about 25–31 days; air freight about 3–5 days.
Do I need an import licence for surgical supply in Nigeria?+
Usually yes - importers register with the NAFDAC and hold a medical-device importer or distributor licence. We provide every document needed for that registration.