The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has unveiled a new technology-driven system designed to track crude oil shipments in real time.
The initiative, introduced under the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation 2024, requires all exporters to secure an export permit, vessel clearance, and a Unique Identification Number (UIN) through NUPRC’s digital platform before any shipment can take place. This UIN must be included on all key export documents, including the bill of lading, certificate of origin, and cargo manifest, ensuring every shipment is traceable and compliant with regulatory standards.
According to the NUPRC, this system integrates seamlessly with other government export platforms to provide a comprehensive and transparent view of Nigeria’s crude oil and petroleum product exports. The commission emphasized that any incomplete or inaccurate vessel clearance applications will be rejected, and violators will face sanctions.
Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of NUPRC, highlighted that the new regulations align with the commission’s mandate to increase government revenue, reduce waste, and strengthen oversight in the oil sector, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
This move comes at a crucial time, with Nigeria exporting crude oil and petroleum products worth nearly N13 trillion in the first quarter of 2025 alone, representing over 60% of the country’s total exports.
Leveraging advanced technology and rigorous validation processes, NUPRC aims to tackle long-standing challenges of opacity and inefficiency in the oil export business.
