In June 2025, Nigeria took a decisive step to tighten oversight of its crude oil exports. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) issued the Guidelines for the Operationalisation of Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, giving effect to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulations, 2024.
For marine logistics companies, which provide offshore support and vessel services to oil and gas operators, this regulatory shift is not just a matter of compliance — it’s a transformation of how business must be conducted in Nigerian waters.
Closing Loopholes with Real-Time Visibility
The new framework requires exporters to obtain an export permit via NUPRC’s COTEX system, secure vessel clearance through the Advance Cargo Declaration Portal, and receive a Unique Identification Number (UIN) before any cargo can be loaded. This UIN must appear on all shipping documents – from Bills of Lading to Certificates of Origin.
Explaining the intent behind the move, Gbenga Komolafe, NUPRC’s Chief Executive, remarked that the initiative will provide “end-to-end visibility of crude oil shipments from terminal to destination,” ensuring that crude theft and revenue leakages are significantly reduced. For marine companies, this translates to stricter document validation and real-time reporting obligations. As one operations manager at a Lagos terminal noted during the roll-out,
“In the past, gaps in documentation created opportunities for diversion and loss. Now, every shipment leaves a digital footprint regulators can track instantly.”
Raising the Compliance Bar for Marine Operators
Beyond paperwork, the rules also demand real-time cargo data uploads within 24 hours of loading. Marine logistics companies are now expected to integrate their systems with regulatory portals — a technological shift that could be challenging for operators still reliant on manual processes.
“These new guidelines represent a significant step towards a more transparent, accountable, and efficient oil export regime in Nigeria,” Komolafe said at a press briefing, underscoring the Commission’s expectation that both exporters and their logistics partners rise to higher compliance standards.
While some industry players worry about initial disruptions, forward-looking marine operators see opportunity. As one marine superintendent put it, “The companies that get compliance right will be the preferred partners for international oil firms. Nobody wants delays at export terminals because of missing documents.”
For a company like Maton Marine, whose core values are anchored in safety, integrity, and innovation, the implications are clear: investment in digital systems, crew training, and proactive compliance is not optional — it’s the pathway to continued relevance in Nigeria’s oil and gas supply chain.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s Advance Cargo Declaration Regulations mark a turning point for crude export oversight. For marine logistics providers, they raise the bar on transparency, technology adoption, and compliance discipline.
Comments are closed