The Nigerian government has unveiled a new framework known as the Advanced Cargo Declaration Regime aimed at enhancing transparency and cu...
The Nigerian government has unveiled a new framework known as the Advanced Cargo Declaration Regime aimed at enhancing transparency and curbing irregularities in the exportation of crude oil and petroleum products.
This was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Public Affairs and Corporate Communication Department of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The initiative, formalized under the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, 2024, is a key component of the federal government’s broader reforms to overhaul the upstream oil sector. It is specifically designed to monitor crude movements, eliminate under-declaration and theft at export terminals, and ensure accurate revenue collection.
Approved by the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the new regulation mandates that all crude oil and petroleum product exporters must upload complete export documentation within 24 hours of shipment. This applies to all operations licensed under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
According to the Commission, the Advance Cargo Declaration Portal is a cutting-edge, real-time technology platform that integrates with existing government export systems. It offers several key functionalities:
-
Real-time tracking and reconciliation of crude oil exports
-
Immediate upload of export documentation within 24 hours of loading
-
Enhanced data integrity and transparency across the entire export chain
“The new guidelines represent a significant step towards a more transparent, accountable, and efficient oil export regime in Nigeria,” the statement noted.
“By leveraging technology, robust validation, and strict documentation protocols, the Commission is addressing long-standing challenges of opacity, losses, and inefficiency in the sector.”
Despite existing frameworks such as the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation and the Domestic Crude Refining Requirement, local refineries like Dangote Refinery still face significant supply gaps and have turned to imports.
Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that Nigeria imported crude oil worth ₦1.19 trillion in Q1 2025, underscoring a continued reliance on foreign supply due to weak domestic distribution systems.
In contrast, the country exported ₦12.96 trillion worth of crude oil and petroleum products within the same period, accounting for 62.89% of Nigeria’s total exports in Q1 2025.
The introduction of the Advance Cargo Declaration system is expected to plug financial leakages, reduce crude theft, and improve Nigeria’s credibility in the global oil market—while reinforcing government efforts to optimize earnings from its most valuable natural resource.
No comments