Exporters Must Secure Permits, Unique ID Before Crude Shipments — NUPRC

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced a new requirement mandating all crude oil exporters to obtain an export permit, vessel clearance, and a Unique Identification Number (UIN) prior to any shipment from Nigeria.

This directive is part of the newly introduced Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation 2024. It comes as Nigeria’s oil exports in the first quarter of 2025 reached ₦12.96 trillion, even though local refineries continue to face challenges due to insufficient crude supply.

The regulation mandates the use of the NUPRC’s digital portal for the completion of all pre-shipment documentation. Exporters must be verified, export volumes confirmed, and a UIN must be assigned and included in every clearance notification, enabling authorities to track cargoes in real time.

According to the Commission, critical export documents—such as the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and cargo manifest—must all contain the UIN, which will serve as a reference code to ensure transparency, compliance, and full traceability of crude and petroleum product exports.

The framework, signed off by the Commission Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, aims to tackle issues like underreporting, crude theft, and revenue leakage at export terminals. The new guidelines were developed under Section 10(f) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

In a statement released by the Commission’s public relations department, the NUPRC emphasized that the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system is designed to introduce a structured process for reporting and verifying crude exports. It monitors crude oil from its point of production to its final exit, ensuring that only certified and quantified products leave the country.

The goal is to strengthen accountability in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector by preventing manipulation of export volumes and unauthorised cargo movements. The system is also expected to address longstanding issues of oil theft and under-declaration, while reinforcing Nigeria’s revenue assurance mechanism.

“The regulation establishes a reliable digital framework for overseeing the entire export lifecycle of crude oil and petroleum products. It allows for real-time monitoring, mandatory pre-shipment clearance, and digital integration with other national export systems,” the Commission stated.

Exporters are now required to secure necessary permits and clearances through the Commission’s Advance Cargo Declaration Portal. The system provides a 24-hour window for the upload of cargo data following vessel loading, allowing the regulator to maintain up-to-date records.

Furthermore, the new regulation applies to all export points and terminals under licenses and leases governed by the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. The Commission retains the right to deny vessel clearance where documentation is found to be incomplete or inaccurate. Sanctions, including administrative penalties, will be imposed on violators.

Komolafe explained that this policy shift is a crucial part of the Commission’s wider agenda to modernise Nigeria’s upstream oil operations, plug leakages, and optimise government revenue. He described the initiative as a vital step in restoring trust and control over Nigeria’s crude export process.

“This reform represents a turning point in reinforcing transparency and accountability in our export chain. With the integration of technology and regulation, we are ensuring that every barrel of oil is accounted for and contributes to national development,” he added.