The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has introduced stricter export controls requiring oil exporters to secure a permit, vessel clearance, and a Unique Identification Number (UIN) before any shipment of crude oil or petroleum products can leave the country.

The new directive, which takes effect under the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, 2024, mandates full documentation and pre-clearance through the Commission’s digital platforms. Exporters must now submit shipment details electronically for verification before loading.

The move comes as Nigeria recorded crude and petroleum exports valued at ₦12.96 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, even as domestic refineries continue to face supply challenges.

According to a statement issued by NUPRC’s public affairs unit, all cargoes must be supported by key documents — including the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and cargo manifest — all of which must reference the UIN issued by the Commission. This will allow authorities to trace each shipment from its origin within Nigeria to its final exit point.

The regulation is issued in line with Section 10(f) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and is designed to address long-standing problems of under-declaration, illegal exports, and loss of government revenue.

The NUPRC said the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system will facilitate real-time monitoring and improve integration with other national export and security systems. Exporters are now required to upload cargo data within 24 hours of loading, ensuring continuous oversight of all export activities.

The Commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, said the regulation reflects a broader effort to modernise Nigeria’s upstream oil operations.

He said the measure aims to ensure that only properly measured and certified crude oil and petroleum products are exported, eliminating opportunities for theft and manipulation at export terminals.

Komolafe added that the system enhances traceability, allowing authorities to confirm both the identity of exporters and the volume of products being shipped.

According to him, vessels lacking complete or accurate documentation will be denied clearance, and violators could face administrative sanctions.

“The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, 2024, is 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,” komolafe said.