NUPRC Tightens Crude Export Rules

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has rolled out new guidelines requiring all crude oil and petroleum product exporters to obtain export permits, vessel clearance, and a Unique Identification Number (UIN) before any shipment can leave the country.

This directive is part of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) Regulation 2024 and is designed to bolster transparency, accountability, and traceability in Nigeria’s upstream oil sector. The move comes amid mounting concerns about oil theft, under-declaration of exports, and the loss of national revenue at terminals.

According to the Commission, exporters must now use NUPRC’s online platforms to process all pre-shipment documentation, including identity verification, export volume confirmation, and the issuance of a UIN. The UIN will be embedded in all clearance notifications, allowing authorities to monitor and track every shipment in real time.

“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 Commission stated.

The new rules come at a time when Nigeria exported crude oil and other petroleum products worth ₦12.96 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, even as the country’s refineries remain hampered by poor feedstock supply. With billions in oil revenue at stake, the NUPRC is pushing to close longstanding loopholes in export operations.

The Commission noted that the guidelines were issued under Section 10(f) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and form a “comprehensive framework” for managing all aspects of crude and petroleum product exports from Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Unit, the Commission emphasized that the Advance Cargo Declaration system is part of a broader solution to stem systemic malpractice and boost regulatory oversight. “The ACD solution aims to enhance transparency and accountability in crude oil export operations,” the statement read.

“It 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.”

With this system, the NUPRC seeks to monitor every barrel from its point of origin to its final exit at an export terminal, leaving a clear, auditable trail. The agency believes that this framework will significantly reduce incidences of oil theft, under-reporting, and other irregularities that have plagued Nigeria’s oil exports for decades.

Industry stakeholders and exporters are expected to begin full compliance with the regulations immediately, as the Commission ramps up enforcement mechanisms to ensure adherence.

This latest effort reinforces Nigeria’s resolve to take back control of its most valuable resource—and protect its revenue in a global oil market where accountability is becoming non-negotiable.