In a significant upgrade to Nigeria’s trade infrastructure, SIFAX Shipping Company Ltd. has officially launched direct Less-than-Container Load (LCL) export services to the United Kingdom. This service, established through a strategic partnership with Netcargo UK Limited, eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming transshipment through intermediary ports.
For Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), this means the “London Detour” is over—goods now travel directly from Lagos to the UK, slashing both transit times and logistics costs.
1. The LCL Breakthrough: Exporting Without the Bulk
Historically, many small businesses were “locked out” of international trade because they couldn’t afford to fill an entire 20ft or 40ft container.
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The “Groupage” Solution: LCL (Less-than-Container Load) allows multiple exporters to share space in a single container. You only pay for the volume your goods occupy.
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No More Transshipment: Previously, UK-bound LCL cargo often had to stop in ports like Antwerp or Las Palmas for consolidation. This new direct route means faster turnaround and zero mid-journey handling risks.
2. Strategic Partnerships & Global Reach
The UK route is part of a broader expansion strategy by SIFAX Shipping to integrate Nigeria more deeply into global value chains:
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Export (UK Focus): Partnered with Netcargo UK Limited (a Net Cargo Group subsidiary) to manage the receiving and distribution end in the United Kingdom.
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Import (Global Focus): Sealed a “third-party consolidator” deal with WSC Logistics and Shotto Logistics Limited. This allows shipments from industrial hubs like India and China to be routed seamlessly through SIFAX’s bonded terminals in Nigeria.
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Infrastructure Upgrade: To handle the 2026 surge in volume, SIFAX has expanded its bonded warehouse operations, allowing smaller logistics firms to leverage their technical “know-how” and facilities.
Benefits at a Glance
| Feature | Old System (Pre-2025) | New SIFAX Service (2026) |
| Route | Transshipment via Europe | Direct Lagos to UK |
| Costs | High (Transshipment fees) | Lower (Consolidated rates) |
| Predictability | Low (Delays at hub ports) | High (Fixed schedules) |
| Accessibility | Large volumes only | Small/Medium volumes (SMEs) |
3. Part of the 2026 “Growth through Innovation” Strategy
As detailed in the SIFAX Group 2026 Outlook, this move is anchored by Chairman Dr. Taiwo Afolabi’s vision of “operational excellence.” By reducing trade barriers, SIFAX is positioning itself as a primary driver of Nigeria’s non-oil export growth.
“We’re now positioned to offer uninterrupted export services to the UK market, giving our clients the ease and confidence they need to grow their international trade volumes.” — Adekunle Owobamirin, GM, SIFAX Shipping.
