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Nigeria’s oil regulator is implementing a new rule requiring oil producers to obtain an export permit, vessel clearance, and a unique identification number (UIN) for each shipment, enabling real-time tracking of crude oil and petroleum product exports.
The updated framework, known as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, is designed to combat oil theft, under-declaration at export terminals, and enhance government revenue through improved transparency and accountability.
Key Changes and Compliance Requirements
Under the new system:
- Exporters must submit detailed cargo and vessel information in advance, including consignee, port of destination, tonnage, and estimated time of arrival.
- All export documentation—such as the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and cargo manifest—must reference the assigned UIN.
- The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) will validate exporter identities and verify volumes before issuing clearance.
- Non-compliance may result in penalties of up to $20,000.
A Shift Toward Transparency
Previously, oil producers were only required to declare cargoes to customs for export permits. The new regulation marks a significant departure from that system. A spokesperson for the regulator described the guidelines as a “significant step toward a more transparent, accountable and efficient oil export regime”.
Energy lawyer Ayodele Oni of Bloomfield Law Firm noted that the old system lacked real-time tracking capabilities, leading to under-reporting, theft, and mismatches in export data.
The NUPRC’s new digital platform integrates with other government systems to ensure seamless monitoring and traceability of oil exports across all terminals and export points in Nigeria.
For more, see Reuters via MSN or Premium Times Nigeria.
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