Exporters Must Secure Identification Numbers for Tracking Crude Oil, Petroleum Products, Says NUPRC
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has unveiled a set of new guidelines designed to bolster transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the exportation of Nigeria’s crude oil and petroleum products.
Promulgated under the ‘Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation 2024,’ these guidelines aim to refine the cargo declaration system.
In a statement released on Wednesday by NUPRC’s public affairs unit, the guidelines strive to establish a comprehensive framework for the declaration and tracking of crude oil and petroleum product exports.
The NUPRC stated that these regulations apply to all licenses and leases issued or maintained under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, encompassing crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and petroleum products exported from terminals and export points within Nigeria.
According to the statement, industry participants must obtain an export permit, vessel clearance, and a unique identification number (UIN) via NUPRC’s online platforms prior to shipment.
The commission will verify the identities of exporters and validate export volumes before issuing clearance notifications embedded with a UIN for tracking purposes.
Furthermore, NUPRC mandates that all export documents, including the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and cargo manifest, reference the UIN to ensure traceability and compliance.
The advance cargo declaration portal, as stated by NUPRC, is a real-time, technology-driven system that integrates with other government export platforms to facilitate seamless tracking and reconciliation of crude oil exports.
According to the statement, the guidelines empower NUPRC to reject vessel clearance applications that are incomplete, lack proper documentation, or contain false information, and to impose sanctions on exporters found in violation.
The commission stated that these measures represent a pivotal step towards establishing a transparent and efficient oil export regime in Nigeria.
By incorporating advanced technology, rigorous validation, and stringent documentation, the commission aims to address enduring issues of opacity, losses, and inefficiency within the sector.
Gbenga Komolafe, NUPRC’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that these initiatives align with the commission’s mandate to maximize government revenue, minimize waste, and ensure robust regulatory oversight in accordance with the PIA.
