Prioritize:

• Location relative to ports and major highways to minimize transit time variance.
• WMS integration, real-time inventory visibility, and EDI/API connectivity for multi-channel orders.
• Capacity for scalable racking, temperature control if needed, and returns handling to support peak seasons.

Calculate landed cost per unit including duty, inland haulage, and handling fees; combine with measured transit time and variability to model service-level impacts. Use zone-based rates and carrier performance data to compare centralized vs. distributed fulfillment scenarios.

Assess 3PLs for established carrier contracts, access to container terminals, bonded warehouse options, and experience with Nigerian customs procedures. Confirm SLA for customs clearance, ISPS compliance at ports, and freight-forwarder relationships to reduce dwell time.

Look for WMS with real-time inventory, API/EDI interfaces, shipment tracking, and analytics dashboards. Also evaluate returns management workflows, batch/lot traceability, and KPI reporting (order accuracy, OTIF, inventory accuracy) to ensure operational transparency.