The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has unveiled stringent new requirements for crude oil and petroleum product exports, mandating exporters to secure an export permit, vessel clearance, and a Unique Identification Number (UIN) before any shipment can depart the country.
This directive, outlined in the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation 2024, is part of a broader effort to tighten control over Nigeria’s crude exports and enhance transparency in the sector.
The Commission disclosed that in the first quarter of 2025, oil producers exported petroleum products valued at ₦12.96 trillion, despite continued feedstock shortages plaguing domestic refineries.
Under the new regulation, all pre-shipment documentation must be processed through the Commission’s dedicated online platforms. These platforms are designed to verify exporter identity, confirm export volumes, and assign a UIN to each clearance notice, enabling real-time monitoring and tracking of all cargoes.
According to a statement issued by the Commission’s public relations unit on Wednesday, the regulation, authorised under Section 10(f) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, lays out a robust framework for handling all exports of crude oil, condensates, natural gas liquids, and petroleum products from Nigerian terminals and ports.
“All export-related documents, including the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and cargo manifest, must quote the UIN. This will ensure full traceability and strict compliance with regulatory expectations,” the statement noted.
The newly introduced Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system is designed to monitor the journey of crude oil from the point of production to its exit from Nigerian territory. The aim is to curtail issues such as oil theft, product diversion, and under-declaration at export terminals.
The Commission said the digital portal provides seamless integration with other government export systems, supports real-time tracking, and requires the upload of cargo data within 24 hours of loading.
In addition to establishing full traceability, the guidelines empower the Commission to deny vessel clearance where documentation is incomplete or falsified. Offenders risk facing administrative penalties and other enforcement measures.
Commission Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, described the regulation as a critical reform aimed at restoring trust and integrity in Nigeria’s oil export processes.
“This is a decisive move to block revenue leakages and reinforce Nigeria’s export chain. With technology at the heart of the new process, we now have the tools to ensure full visibility and accountability for every barrel leaving our shores,” Komolafe stated.
He noted that the reform aligns with NUPRC’s wider agenda to modernise the upstream sector, increase government earnings, and promote full compliance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
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