Repatriation to Nigeria · Costs
How Much Does It Cost to Send a Body Home to Nigeria from the US?
Last reviewed November 2026
Most families pay between $9,000 and $15,000 in total to send a loved one home from the United States to Nigeria. That usually covers funeral home preparation, a hermetically sealed metal casket, consulate and permit fees, and air cargo to Lagos, Abuja or another Nigerian airport. Air freight is the largest single cost, because airlines charge by the weight of the casket.
What the cost usually includes
| Part of the journey | What it covers | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral home preparation | Transfer from the place of death, embalming, dressing, a sealed metal casket and air tray, refrigeration while papers are processed | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| Documents and government fees | Certified death certificates, burial-transit permit, notarized affidavits, Nigerian consulate fee ($50), courier envelopes | $150 – $500 |
| Air cargo to Nigeria | Airline charge for the casket, priced by weight, plus airport handling | $4,500 – $6,500 |
| Typical total | $9,000 – $15,000 |
These ranges reflect published prices from U.S. funeral homes and repatriation agents. Your exact cost depends on where your loved one passed, the destination airport and the services you choose. Always ask for an itemized quote that includes airfare.
What makes the price go up or down
- Weight of the casket. Airlines price human remains as cargo by weight. A prepared shipping casket can weigh around 200 kilos.
- Destination airport. Lagos (LOS) and Abuja (ABV) have the most flight options. Port Harcourt, Enugu and other airports can cost more or need a connection.
- Distance to the airport. Transfer from a hospital or home far from a major airport adds cost.
- Delays. If a medical examiner must review the death, or the Nigerian health waiver takes time, refrigerated storage adds daily charges.
- A family escort. If a relative flies with the remains, their own ticket is separate.
Ways to lower the cost
- Check for coverage first. Life insurance, an employer benefit, a union, or a travel or repatriation policy may pay some or all of the cost.
- Ask for an itemized quote. Compare like with like, including airfare. A low quote that leaves out the flight is not a low quote.
- Start the paperwork early. Every day of storage costs money. Finding the passport and naming the receiving family member in Nigeria on day one saves days.
- Lean on community. Churches, hometown associations and alumni groups often help families with repatriation costs.
How our concierge fee works
Their Journey Home is a coordination service, not a funeral home. We work with a licensed funeral director, the Nigerian consulate and the airline for you, and keep your family updated at every step.
- Concierge support starts at $1,500. The fee depends on the destination, the complexity of the case and how quickly everything must happen.
- Funeral home, airline, consular and government charges are separate and are paid directly to those providers, so you see exactly where every dollar goes.
- You get a written quote after a free 30-minute call, before you commit to anything.
- Need less help? A Remote Advisory & Audit ($350 to $500) reviews your plan and paperwork, or start with the free finder on our home page.
Let us help bring your loved one home
The first call is free. Tell us where your loved one passed and where they will be laid to rest, and we'll explain the steps and give you a written quote.
Questions families ask
Is the airfare included in repatriation quotes?
Not always. Some funeral homes quote their service fee and add airfare separately. Airfare for a casket to Nigeria is often $4,500 or more, so always ask whether a quote includes the flight.
Does the family need to pay the Nigerian consulate directly?
The consulate fee is $50, paid by USPS money order or certified bank check. Your funeral director usually submits it with the other documents, and we check the whole package before it goes.
How much does your concierge service cost?
Our concierge support starts at $1,500, depending on the destination, complexity and timing. Funeral home, airline and government charges are paid directly to those providers. The first call is free, and you get a written quote before committing.
Is cremation cheaper than sending the body home?
Yes, shipping cremated remains costs far less. Many Nigerian families prefer burial at home for cultural and religious reasons, so we help you plan either way.
Can a family member travel with the body?
Yes. A relative can fly on the same flight as the remains. Their ticket is separate from the cargo charge.