Mail to Nigeria

My friend has just left to Nigeria for a month not so long ago. She will be spending her birthday there.

First thought of Nigeria is "Scam". There are too often reports of scams cases from Nigeria in the news. In actual fact, Nigeria is also thriving economy, one rather significant oil producing country and one whose economy is relatively more developed among the African nations.

Anyway I was so excited when my friend mentioned she was going and wanted to send her a mail. Was thinking of surprising her with a parcel, until she told me that it is likely the mail will only reach after she is on her way back. I then insisted that it is ok, I can find a way to send her.

I wahinking how difficult can it be, I can always use Fedex or UPS. Didn't they said they can sent a mail anywhere in the world. I remembered sending a mail by Fedex to the USA was not too expensive, starting from 30 plus dollars. Thus I went about searching for the postal rate to Nigeria and was shocked! It costs upwards of $400 dollars to Nigeria by Fedex or UPS. The base rate is $400 plus, thus even if you are sending a 50 gram letter, that is the minimum cost!!!! I initially thought there was some mistakes, rub my eyes :> and checked several times etc.

Wow the drastic difference in the rates between sending to Nigeria and USA! I know there will be differences but did not expect that huge a difference. No wonder my friend told me that there is no need to send her anything.

I later learned I can send a letter via Singapore Post to Nigeria for $2.50 via Air Mail. The mail will be sent via Singapore Post to Nigeria where it will be transferred to the recipient via the local postal system. To test the Nigeria Postal system, I have happily sent her a letter via Singapore Post. Will await the result and let you know haha! :)