The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has rolled out comprehensive new regulations under the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation 2024. These guidelines aim to boost transparency, reduce leakages, and improve revenue tracking in Nigeria’s crude oil and petroleum product exports.
Following Wednesday’s announcement, the new framework introduces a bold shift in Nigeria’s approach to monitoring hydrocarbon shipments. Under the revised system, exporters must now actively obtain an Export Permit, Vessel Clearance, and a Unique Identification Number (UIN) via NUPRC’s upgraded digital platforms before any cargo can depart from Nigerian ports.
A New Phase in Nigeria’s Oil Export Oversight
Approved by Commission Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe, the rules apply to all operators under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. This includes crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and refined petroleum products.
The updated requirements serve three key purposes:
- Strengthen Monitoring: All cargo movements will be traceable in real time to deter theft, smuggling, and under-reporting.
- Ensure Quality Assurance: Only verified, accurately measured, and certified products will be cleared for export.
- Maximise Revenue: Enhanced reporting will allow the government to capture and reconcile export data accurately, thereby improving fiscal returns.
Technology-Driven Compliance
Under the regulation, exporters must upload essential documents including the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and cargo manifest within 24 hours of loading. Each document must be linked to the assigned UIN to ensure traceability and data integrity.
NUPRC’s new Advance Cargo Declaration Portal integrates seamlessly with platforms used by other regulatory bodies, such as the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Customs Service. This collaborative approach is expected to cut delays, streamline procedures, and enable quicker cargo verification.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
To enforce full compliance, the NUPRC will rigorously validate both exporter identity and shipment volume before issuing clearance. Any incomplete, falsified, or inaccurate submissions will be automatically rejected. Exporters who flout the rules may face sanctions or administrative fines.
Komolafe stressed that the framework directly supports Nigeria’s national interest. “These measures confront persistent challenges such as oil theft, poor record-keeping, and under-declaration. By embracing technology, we are building a transparent export system aligned with the country’s economic priorities,” he said.
Plugging Revenue Leaks Through Innovation
This initiative arrives at a crucial moment. Although Nigeria remains Africa’s leading oil producer, the country has consistently battled crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. According to a 2022 NEITI report, Nigeria loses over 600,000 barrels of crude daily, which, in turn, results in billions of naira in lost government revenue.
With the launch of this digital system, the NUPRC aims to close loopholes, track exports effectively, and align its operations with international best practices similar to standards in other OPEC member countries.
The Advance Cargo Declaration Portal offers real-time data reconciliation and system-wide transparency, ensuring every shipment is accounted for. This move supports broader reforms under the PIA, which prioritise sector efficiency, investor confidence, and revenue optimisation.
Looking Ahead
As the oil and gas industry evolves, the NUPRC’s proactive reforms reflect its commitment to innovation, accountability, and sector stability. With a strong regulatory backbone now in place, Nigeria stands better positioned to safeguard its crude exports and secure long-term economic benefits.
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