Step-by-Step Process to Export Goods from Nigeria
Step 1: Register Your Business (CAC & FIRS)
Before starting, ensure your business is legally recognized:
Register a Limited Liability Company or Business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Ensure your Memorandum and Articles of Association state export/trading activities.
Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Step 2: Register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
Registration with NEPC is mandatory for exporting non-oil goods.
Step 3: Open a Domiciliary Account & Register Form NXP
All export proceeds must be repatriated back to Nigeria via official banking channels:
Open a Domiciliary Account (USD, GBP, or EUR) with a Nigerian commercial bank.
Log in to the Central Bank of Nigeria Trade Monitoring System (TRMS) portal and complete the Form NXP (Nigeria Export Proceed Form) via your bank.
Step 4: Secure Product-Specific Certificates & Quality Clearance
Depending on the destination country and product type, quality control certification is required:
Agricultural/Food Items: Obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate from the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS). Processed Foods/Cosmetics: Obtain clearance/approval from NAFDAC.
Manufactured Goods: Obtain certification from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
Pre-Shipment Inspection: Obtain a Clean Certificate of Inspection (CCI) from authorized inspection agents.
Step 5: Draft an Export Contract & Commercial Documents
Prepare essential commercial documents for your international buyer and customs:
Proforma Invoice / Commercial Invoice
Packing List (detailing dimensions, weight, and item counts)
Contract of Sale (outlining payment terms, Incoterms, and delivery schedules)
Step 6: Arrange Freight & Customs Clearance
Engage a licensed Customs Clearing Agent or freight forwarder.
Choose your shipping mode:
Air Freight: Ideal for high-value or perishable products.
Sea Freight: Ideal for large volume/bulk commodities.
Pay the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee (usually 0.5% of FOB value).
Complete Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) export clearance at the port or airport.
Step 7: Final Shipment & Repatriation of Funds
Your freight forwarder issues the Bill of Lading (sea shipping) or Air Waybill (air cargo).
Send shipping documents to the buyer or buyer's bank for destination clearing.
Your buyer pays through the agreed channel into your Domiciliary Account..