Nigeria will introduce real-time tracking for oil export shipments, requiring exporters to obtain a permit, vessel clearance and a unique identification number to enable monitoring of cargoes.
According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the updated regulations are designed to enable real-time monitoring of oil cargo exports to combat theft and under-declaration at export terminals, and thereby significantly enhance government revenue.
The new directive, issued under the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation 2024, mandates the use of the commission’s online platforms for the processing of all pre-shipment documentation.
This includes verifying the identity of exporters, confirming export volumes, and embedding a UIN into every clearance notification to enable real-time tracking.
According to the agency, all relevant export documents, such as the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and cargo manifest, must reference the UIN to ensure full traceability and compliance with regulatory protocols.
The guidelines, approved by the organisation’s chief executive, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, aim to address long-standing issues of under-declaration, oil theft, and revenue loss at export terminals.
According to a statement, the guidelines issued under Section 10(f) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, provide a comprehensive framework for obtaining export permits, vessel clearance, and a mandatory Unique Identification Number for all crude oil, condensate, natural gas liquids, and petroleum product exports from Nigerian terminals and export points.
According to NUPRC, the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) solution is designed to enhance transparency and accountability in crude oil export operations.
NUPRC aims to achieve this by establishing a robust system for declaring and tracking crude oil movement, from production to export terminals, and ensuring that only certified products are exported.
The ACD solution will monitor and account for crude oil movement by tracking crude oil from its origin within Nigeria to its export point, ensuring a clear record of its journey.
It will also prevent disruptions, theft, and under-declaration of petroleum products by providing a transparent and traceable system.
The NUPRC explained that the new system, driven by its Advance Cargo Declaration Portal, allows for seamless integration with other government export systems, real-time monitoring, and timely upload of cargo data within 24 hours of loading.
The regulation applies to all licences and leases granted or preserved under the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, covering exports from every terminal and point of exit across the country.
In addition, the guidelines empower the Commission to deny vessel clearance for incomplete or false documentation. Offenders may be penalised through administrative fines and other sanctions.
Mr Komolafe emphasised that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s broader mandate to modernise the upstream oil sector, minimise waste, maximise government revenue, and enforce regulatory compliance in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.