NUPRC issues new guidelines for exporters to curb oil theft
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has implemented a new rule requiring crude oil exporters to secure an export permit, vessel clearance, and a Unique Identification Number before any shipment can exit the country.
This comes at a time when oil producers achieved exports valued at ₦12.96 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, despite ongoing shortages of feedstock that are impacting local refinery operations.
The new mandate entails verifying exporter identities, confirming export quantities, and incorporating a Unique Identification Number in each clearance notification to allow for real-time tracking of crude shipments.
As stated by the commission, all essential export documents—including the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and cargo manifest—must include the Unique Identification Number (UIN) to ensure comprehensive traceability and compliance with regulations.
The guidelines, sanctioned by Commission Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe, aim to address ongoing issues such as under-declaring, oil theft, and revenue losses at export terminals.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the commission's public relations unit announced that the new guidelines—established under Section 10(f) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021—provide a thorough framework for obtaining export permits, vessel clearances, and a mandatory Unique Identification Number for all shipments of crude oil, condensate, natural gas liquids, and petroleum products from Nigeria's terminals and export points.
The Advance Cargo Declaration solution is intended to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria's crude oil export processes. It achieves this by creating a solid framework for declaring and monitoring crude oil movements from production locations to export terminals, ensuring that only certified products are permitted for export.
The system aims to combat oil theft, under-declaration, and other irregularities by delivering comprehensive visibility of crude oil flows—from the origin point within Nigeria to the ultimate export location—guaranteeing a verifiable record of each shipment.
“The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, 2024, is structured to create a robust framework for declaring and monitoring crude oil and petroleum product exports from Nigeria, tracking the movement of crude oil domestically, preventing theft, under-declaration, and disruptions at export terminals, while ensuring that only certified and accurately quantified products are exported, thereby supporting proper revenue generation for the government.
"This regulation is aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the exportation of Nigeria’s crude oil and petroleum products. It ensures that only certified and accurately measured volumes are shipped. Under the new protocol, exporters must secure an export permit, vessel clearance, and a Unique Identification Number via the NUPRC’s online platforms prior to any shipment.
“The commission will confirm the identities of exporters and validate export volumes before issuing clearance notifications, which will also include a UIN for monitoring purposes. All pertinent export documents, such as the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and cargo manifest, are required to reference the UIN, ensuring traceability and regulatory adherence,” the statement indicated.
The NUPRC mentioned that the updated system, facilitated by its Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) Portal, allows for seamless integration with other government export systems, real-time monitoring, and the obligatory uploading of cargo data within 24 hours after loading.
The regulation is applicable to all licenses and leases granted or maintained under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and encompasses exports from every terminal and exit point throughout Nigeria.
The guidelines also grant the Commission the authority to refuse vessel clearance if documentation is incomplete or fraudulent, with violators facing administrative penalties and additional sanctions.
Komolafe emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Commission’s broader objectives to modernize the upstream oil sector, reduce waste, increase government revenue, and enforce compliance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
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