Freight Forwarding — Pay Nigerian Suppliers Faster, Cheaper
You track containers to the minute but your bank takes 3 days to settle.. And your bank makes it worse — 3-day settlements, 2-4% hidden FX spreads, and zero visibility into what your payments actually cost.
We built payment infrastructure for freight forwarding businesses. 0.5% spreads. Same-day NGN settlement. Free container tracking.
Get a Quote for Your Next Nigerian PaymentFreight Forwarding margins are too thin to donate 2-4% to your bank on every supplier payment.
Before we show you a single number, know this: we are regulated, audited, and transparent. Our pricing is published. Our client funds are segregated. These aren't marketing claims — they're regulatory requirements we meet daily.
These aren't marketing claims — they're regulatory requirements we meet daily.
Save £3,535 per £100k Payment
Typical savings for Freight Forwarding paying Nigeria suppliers
- ❌ 2-3 day settlement
- ❌ Hidden FX margins
- ❌ High correspondent bank fees
- ❌ Manual compliance checks
- ✓ Settles in seconds — 2.3 second average
- ✓ Transparent pricing
- ✓ NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) available
- ✓ 0.14s automated compliance
At £500k-£5M monthly volume, save £42,420/year
What Challenges Do Freight Forwarding Businesses Face Paying Nigeria?
Industry Pain Points
- Multi-currency payments to agents worldwide
- Demurrage and detention costs from delays
- Thin margins (3-8%) vulnerable to FX
- High payment volume (200+ monthly)
Country-Specific Considerations
- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) foreign exchange regulations
- Form M (Import documentation) required for imports
- Treasury Single Account (TSA) compliance for government payments
- SWIFT code verification critical for international transfers
How Do Freight Forwarding Businesses Typically Pay Nigerian Suppliers?
Fast Settlement: Settles in seconds — 2.3 second average
Use NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) for instant NGN settlement. Nigeria's instant inter-bank payment system, 24/7 availability
Real-Time FX Exposure Tracking
Upload supplier invoices as PDFs. Our AI OCR extracts amounts and currencies. See exactly what waiting costs you in real-time. Lock rates for 15 seconds when you see a good rate.
0.14s Compliance Screening
Automated compliance checks for Nigeria regulations. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) foreign exchange regulations handled automatically.
How Freight Forwarding Businesses Typically Pay Nigerian Suppliers
If you're importing in this sector, you're likely dealing with a mix of payment terms. Here's how they work — and why speed matters.
⏱ Payment Timing
Payment before cargo release. Port fees due immediately. Agent payments Net 7-14 days. High frequency: 5-20 payments daily.
📄 Invoice Terms
Prepayment for port fees, Net 7-14 for agents, Net 30 for established partners. Credit lines essential for cash flow.
Daily payments, cash flow intensive. Peak season (Aug-Nov) requires extra working capital. Payment terms mismatch: pay agents before client pays.
📊 FX Risk Profile
HIGH: Multi-currency exposure (CNY, EUR, USD, AED). 3-8% margins mean 2% FX move eliminates profit. Must hedge or pass through.
Network of agents worldwide. Long-term relationships essential for reliability. Commission-based structures. Reciprocal arrangements common.
Common Documentation for Freight Forwarding
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Customs Entry Documentation
- Delivery Order
- Agent Invoice with shipment reference
Popular Nigeria Supplier Types for Freight Forwarding
Common Nigeria Suppliers
- Oil & gas service providers (Lagos, Port Harcourt)
- Agricultural exporters (Kano, Kaduna)
- Manufacturing (Lagos, Ogun State)
- Construction materials (Lagos, Abuja)
Payment Tips for Nigeria
- Use NIP for instant settlement - avoid SWIFT delays
- Nigeria = Africa's largest economy, growing trade hub
- Multiple exchange rates exist - ensure you get interbank rate
- Oil & gas payments require enhanced due diligence
Frequently Asked Questions: Freight Forwarding Payments to Nigeria
How do Freight Forwarding businesses pay suppliers in Nigeria?
Freight Forwarding businesses can pay Nigeria suppliers instantly using Unicorn Currencies. We offer a 0.5% FX spread with 2.3-second average settlement using local payment rails like NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP). This is significantly faster and cheaper than traditional SWIFT transfers which take 2-3 days.
What banking details do I need for Nigeria Freight Forwarding suppliers?
To pay Freight Forwarding suppliers in Nigeria, you need the recipient's NUBAN (10-digit Nigerian Uniform Bank Account Number), account number, and beneficiary name. Our platform validates these details automatically to ensure successful payment delivery.
How much can Freight Forwarding businesses save on Nigeria payments?
Freight Forwarding businesses typically save 87% compared to traditional banks when paying Nigeria suppliers. On a £100k transaction, that's £3,535 in savings. With Unicorn Currencies, you pay just 0.5% FX spread + £5 per payment vs banks charging 4% spread + £40 fees.
Is container tracking available for Freight Forwarding shipments from Nigeria?
Yes, Unicorn Currencies offers FREE container tracking for Freight Forwarding shipments from Nigeria. You receive real-time visibility into your cargo, including demurrage alerts to help avoid costly port storage fees. This feature is included at no extra cost with your payment account.
What currencies do Freight Forwarding businesses typically use with Nigeria?
Freight Forwarding businesses typically convert GBP to NGN when paying Nigeria suppliers. Unicorn Currencies provides live exchange rates with a transparent 0.5% spread, and you can lock rates for 15 seconds when you see a favorable rate. Our AI-powered invoice OCR can automatically extract amounts and currencies from supplier invoices.
Ready to Pay Nigeria Suppliers 87% Cheaper?
Join Freight Forwarding businesses saving £3,535 per £100k payment with t+0 (2.3s avg within unicorn network).
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