New Digital Protocols for Exporters
In a move aimed at plugging long-standing revenue leakages and curbing oil theft, the NUPRC has mandated the use of its Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) platform. This online system will process all pre-shipment documentation, verify the identity of exporters, confirm export volumes, and embed a UIN into every clearance notification.
According to the Commission, all export-related documents — including the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and cargo manifest — must reference the UIN. This will ensure complete traceability and compliance from the point of origin to the export terminal.
Background: Billions in Exports Amid Domestic Shortfalls
This development follows a first quarter in which Nigerian oil producers exported crude oil and petroleum products worth ₦12.96 trillion, even as the country's refineries continued to grapple with feedstock shortages. The contrast between booming exports and struggling domestic supply has underscored the need for tighter regulation and improved transparency.
Curbing Oil Theft and Under-Declaration
Endorsed by the Commission Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, the new rules are rooted in Section 10(f) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. The ACD initiative is specifically designed to combat:
- Under-declaration of volumes
- Oil theft at export terminals
- Disruptions in the cargo declaration process
- Revenue loss through untracked shipments
Komolafe noted that the regulation will “enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency,” ensuring that only certified and accurately measured volumes of crude oil and other petroleum products are exported.
Real-Time Monitoring and Inter-Agency Collaboration
A key feature of the ACD platform is its ability to integrate with other government export systems. Export data must now be uploaded within 24 hours of loading, allowing for real-time monitoring and coordinated oversight across agencies.
Exporters must also be prepared for stricter enforcement: the NUPRC now has the authority to deny vessel clearance if documentation is incomplete, inaccurate, or fraudulent. Offenders could face administrative penalties and other regulatory sanctions.
Comprehensive Coverage Across All Export Points
The regulation applies to all licences and leases under the Petroleum Industry Act and covers exports from every terminal and point of exit in Nigeria. This means that no export — whether of crude oil, condensates, natural gas liquids, or refined products — can bypass the new system.
Aligning Technology with Oversight
According to Komolafe, the updated export control framework is part of the Commission’s wider push to modernize Nigeria’s upstream oil sector, reduce waste, and maximize government revenue.
“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,” he said.