Import from Nigeria to Ghana: A Step-by-Step Guide to West African Trade
As two of West Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria and Ghana have a long-standing trade relationship — strengthened by ECOWAS protocols and growing regional demand for consumer goods, agricultural products, and industrial materials.
If you’re looking to import from Nigeria to Ghana, whether for resale, manufacturing, or retail distribution, this guide breaks down the opportunities, requirements, and practical steps involved. It also shows how Wigmore Trading supports businesses in navigating cross-border logistics, documentation, and product sourcing.
Why Import from Nigeria to Ghana?
Nigeria is a regional manufacturing and agro-processing hub, with competitive pricing and abundant product availability. Importing from Nigeria gives Ghanaian businesses access to:
✅ Lower-cost regional goods
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Cement, tiles, building materials
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Packaged food and FMCG
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Plasticware, textiles, household items
✅ Agricultural produce
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Dried fish, yams, ginger, garlic
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Palm oil, cassava derivatives
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Shea butter, black soap, spices
✅ Industrial and B2B inputs
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Bulk chemicals
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Fast-moving consumer goods
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Auto parts and electrical components
ECOWAS Advantage: Trade Without Tariffs
Both Ghana and Nigeria are members of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). Under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS):
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🇬🇭🇳🇬 Qualifying goods can move duty-free across borders
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Simplified customs procedures apply
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Traders benefit from regional integration and faster clearance
📌 Note: Goods must originate from an ECOWAS country and comply with rules of origin to qualify for ETLS.
Key Steps to Import from Nigeria to Ghana
1. 🔍 Identify the Right Products and Supplier
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Source from verified Nigerian manufacturers or distributors
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Ensure product compliance with Ghanaian standards (e.g. FDA, GSA)
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Wigmore Trading can help with product selection and supplier vetting
2. 📜 Obtain Necessary Documentation
For cross-border movement, the following documents are typically required:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ✅ Proforma or commercial invoice | Describes goods and price |
| ✅ Packing list | Confirms contents and quantities |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin | Required for ETLS tariff exemption |
| ✅ Export permit (Nigeria) | Especially for food, agro-products, chemicals |
| ✅ Product certification (if applicable) | NAFDAC/FDA or GSA approvals |
Wigmore Trading prepares and manages these documents for clients to avoid border delays.
3. 🚚 Choose Your Transportation Method
| Mode | Ideal For | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Road freight | General goods, FMCG, bulk items | 2–5 days |
| Air freight | High-value or perishable goods | 1–2 days |
Most Nigeria–Ghana trade moves via road through Seme–Aflao border crossings, with optional stops at Lome (Togo) and Cotonou (Benin).
Wigmore Trading coordinates secure, tracked, cross-border transportation, including:
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Groupage (shared trucks) for small shipments
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Full container/truckload for bulk cargo
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Customs clearing at each border point
4. 🏁 Clear Goods at the Ghana Border
Upon arrival in Ghana:
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Declare goods to Ghana Revenue Authority – Customs Division
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Submit required import documentation
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Pay applicable VAT and import duties (if ETLS is not applied)
Wigmore Trading works with licensed clearing agents to ensure fast, compliant customs processing.
Products Commonly Imported from Nigeria to Ghana
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| 🥘 Food & Agro | Palm oil, gari, spices, dried pepper |
| 🏗️ Construction | Tiles, adhesives, PVC pipes, cement |
| 🧴 Cosmetics & Skincare | Shea butter, soap, creams, oils |
| 🛒 FMCG & Retail | Household goods, plasticware, snacks |
| ⚙️ Industrial Supplies | Lubricants, packaging, small machinery |
Challenges to Consider (And How to Solve Them)
| Challenge | Wigmore Trading Solution |
|---|---|
| 🚧 Border delays | Use our pre-cleared routes and customs agents |
| 📜 Missing documents | We manage all paperwork and compliance |
| ❌ Unreliable suppliers | We work only with verified Nigerian sources |
| 🧾 Hidden costs or bribes | Transparent, all-inclusive pricing |
| 🧭 Logistics coordination | Full-service freight, tracking, and delivery |
Why Use Wigmore Trading?
As a UK-based company with operations in Nigeria and West Africa, Wigmore Trading offers:
✅ Procurement support – We source directly from verified Nigerian manufacturers
✅ Logistics management – Door-to-door transport from Nigeria to Ghana
✅ Customs documentation – Including ETLS support and export permits
✅ Transparency – No hidden charges, no delays, no remittance risk
Case Study: FMCG Trader Expands into Ghana
A Ghanaian retailer needed:
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5 tons of plastic buckets, cleaning products, and household items
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Sourced directly from a Nigerian supplier but lacked logistics capacity
Wigmore Trading:
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Handled procurement, quality check, and freight
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Cleared the shipment at Aflao border
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Delivered to the client’s Accra warehouse in 4 days
✅ Client saved 22% on local market prices
✅ Seamless cross-border import
✅ Stock ready for sale ahead of schedule
Final Thoughts
Importing from Nigeria to Ghana offers excellent trade potential — lower sourcing costs, regional proximity, and strong consumer demand. But without the right support, you may face customs hurdles, border delays, or unreliable suppliers.
With Wigmore Trading, you can import confidently, knowing your goods are:
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Sourced correctly
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Shipped securely
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Cleared compliantly
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Delivered on time
📞 Contact us today to:
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Get a quote for your Nigeria–Ghana import
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Discuss product availability and pricing
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Start building your West African supply chain
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