What it is
A bill of lading is issued by the shipping line or forwarder when your cargo is loaded. It is a receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract to carry them and, in its original form, the document that lets you take delivery.
Consignee and notify party
The consignee is who the goods are shipped to. Their name must match your importer registration and the Form M exactly. A spelling difference is enough to hold a container while it is corrected.
Container, seal and weight
Check the container and seal numbers against the supplier’s packing list, and the gross weight against what was loaded. These are compared at examination.
Port of discharge
Make sure it says the Lagos port you expect. A container discharged at a different terminal than planned changes the trucking plan and sometimes the charges.
Original, telex or express
With an original bill, the paper must be presented to the line. With a telex release or express bill, the line releases on instruction. Ask your supplier which they are using before the vessel arrives.
General guidance, not legal or financial advice. Example article for this demo.