Prioritize multimodal access (road and air), security protocols, inventory systems (WMS/EDI), throughput capacity, and contingency routing. Assess carrier integrations, accuracy SLA, and proximity to border crossings to minimize transit time and customs friction.

Road corridor quality and scheduled feeder services determine trucking reliability; air options from Maiduguri reduce lead times for high‑value goods. Limited rail means reliance on road/air, so consolidate shipments and negotiate carrier rates to control per‑unit costs.

Ensure 3PLs provide layered site security, verified insurance coverage, and compliance with national customs and excise rules. Verify audit trails, chain‑of‑custody controls, and emergency response plans as part of risk mitigation.

Design slotting and SKU velocity-based storage to reduce handling, use seasonal labor agreements, and apply pick-wave planning. Negotiate transparent billing (storage, handling, pick fees) and align SLAs to forecasted demand to avoid idle capacity charges.

Onboarding commonly spans 6–12 weeks for systems integration, SKU setup, and test cycles. Track KPIs like order accuracy, dwell time, picking productivity, on-time dispatch, and cost per order to validate operational readiness.