The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has mandated that all crude oil and petroleum product exporters must now obtain an export permit, vessel clearance, and a Unique Identification Number before any shipment can leave Nigeria.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation 2024 established this new requirement, and all processes must be completed online at the Commission’s websites.
These include verifying exporters’ identities, confirming export volumes, and embedding a UIN in each clearance notification for real-time tracking.
In the first quarter of 2025, oil producers exported crude oil and related products valued at ₦12.96 trillion, despite ongoing challenges in feedstock supply to domestic refineries.
According to the Commission, all export-related documents such as the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and cargo manifest must include the UIN.
This is aimed at ensuring traceability and compliance with regulatory protocols.
The new law, authorised by the Commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, aims to solve long-standing concerns such as oil theft, under-declaration, and revenue loss at export terminals.
A statement released by the Commission’s public relations unit on Wednesday noted that the directive is issued under Section 10(f) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
It applies to all crude oil, condensate, natural gas liquids, and petroleum product exports from Nigerian terminals and points of exit.
“The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, 2024, are designed to establish a robust framework for declaring and tracking crude oil and petroleum product exports from Nigeria, monitoring and accounting for the movement of crude oil within the country, preventing disruptions, theft and under-declaration at export terminals and ensuring that only certified and measured products are exported, supporting accurate revenue generation for the government,” the statement read.
The Advance Cargo Declaration system is also expected to bolster transparency and accountability by ensuring that only certified and properly measured products are shipped out of the country.
“This regulation is designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in Nigeria’s crude oil and petroleum product exports.
“It ensures only certified and accurately measured volumes are exported.
“Under the revised regime, exporters must obtain an export permit, vessel clearance and a Unique Identification Number through the NUPRC’s online platforms before any shipment,” it stated.
“The Commission will validate the identity of exporters and verify export volumes before issuing clearance notifications, which will be embedded with a UIN for tracking. All relevant export documents, including the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin and cargo manifest, must reference the UIN, ensuring traceability and compliance,” it added.
The ACD system is integrated with other government export systems and enables real-time monitoring and timely upload of cargo data within 24 hours of loading. It applies to all licences and leases under the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, covering exports from all Nigerian terminals and exit points.
The rule also gives NUPRC the power to refuse vessel passage for falsified or insufficient documentation, with consequences ranging from administrative fines to additional sanctions.
“This is a significant step in plugging leakages and restoring integrity to Nigeria’s export chain. We are leveraging technology to ensure full visibility and accountability for every barrel exported,” Komolafe said.
He emphasized that the move supports the Commission’s mission to modernize upstream operations, enhance government revenue, and ensure full compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act.