2026/07/26

Understanding the market

To develop a successful export business, a good understanding of your target market(s) is essential. This involves conducting research on your export destination(s).

A good market research should not be based on facts and figures only, It should also focus on factors that drive the target market(s).

Tips to understand the market

Gather basic market information regarding import regulations, trade statistics, tariff regimes and much more. Various Market Analysis tools can be handy in this respect.
Focus your research on a specific product or service.
Research on your competitor’s market(s). Find out what they are doing right.
Attend market-specific seminars.
Seek practical advice from experienced exporters.
Develop direct contacts with potential buyers. You can make use of authentic online directories.
Understand the market environment (culture, demography, religion, currency…)
Relevant Trade Fairs and Embassies are good sources of information.

Research Areas

Some of the important areas of market research include:

Trade statistics and trends
Trade policies
Regulatory framework
Business environment
Business culture
Distribution channels
Logistics
Risk assessment

Tools for market analysis

There are numerous online Market Analysis-tools available. Some of these tools can be accessed for free. These tools will enhance understanding of your target market(s)

Product specific market research

Having gathered and analyzed basic market information, you are to narrow your findings to the specific product or service. You can make an offer, send samples to buyers and await feedback.

Benefits of Market Research

A good market research enables you to:

Identify your most promising market
Obtain inputs for your Export Marketing Plan (EMP)
Have good understanding of the competitive environment of your target market
Minimize risks and maximize prospects

Step-by-Step Process to Export Goods from Nigeria

Step 1: Register Your Business (CAC & FIRS)

Before starting, ensure your business is legally recognized:

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..

Simon 2026/07/26

Enugu Air management reacts to Benin Airport incident

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OSUBI AIRPORT RE-OPENED

The Airport was commissioned on 17th April, 1999 by the former Minister of Aviation, Captain Briggs. The Airport is managed by Shell BP and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The Airport is bordered by Ughelli (about 40mins drive) Ororogbe and Abraka (about 20mins drive). Runway Dimension is 1800 x 45MThe Federal Government has reopened commercial flights at Osubi Airport in Delta.The airport, which was inaugurated in 1999, was jointly established by Shell and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), with the former owning 45 per cent shares and NNPC 55 per cent shares.“In 2015, Shell later divested its shares into deep offshore exploration activities, while Shorelines Oil Services Limited took over.“

Shorelines Oil Services was only terminated as operatorship as far as Osubi airport is concerned, and not as ownership.The airport currently run by FAAN on behalf of the joint owners, Shorelines Oil Services Limited and NNPC,”Speaking at the reopening ceremony on Friday at Osubi Airport in Okpe Local Government Area, the Airport Manager, Mr Wilson Egwato, said that the routes would be expanded soonest.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the federal government shut down commercial operations at the airport in February 2020, following the inability of the former operator of the facility, Shorelines Oil Services Limited, to run it optimally.NAN also reports that the Airport is now being managed by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).Egwato said that the airport currently operated Warri-Lagos and Warri-Abuja flights.“We intend to open more routes because the market is very large and viable. The business is here and we are ready for it.

“Before now, we had three airlines: Arik Air, Air Peace and Aero operating at the airport, but with this reopening, we are having the United Nigeria Airline (UNA) and we are expecting more.“UNA is setting up its office here. I believe that before the end of July, they will fly Lagos and Abuja,” the airport manager said.

In his remarks, Speaker, Delta House of Assembly, Mr Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed joy at the re-opening of the airport.“One year after the shutdown, we are here to witness the reopening of this airport by the federal government. To me, this is a milestone for Delta and Okpe local government areas in particular.“We are here to witness the re-making of history. I say this because on April 17, 1999, when the airport was inaugurated, it was the first of its kind in the state.“It attracted headlines as a major breakthrough in air transportation in Delta. “Unfortunately, following a controversy involving aviation service providers and management of the airport, it was closed in February 2020,” Oborevwori said. He thanked the federal government, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa and royal fathers for their various roles toward the reopening of the airport. The speaker added that the airport would boost revenue generation, both for the state and the federal government.e Here...

2026/07/10

Safety and Investigations

Enugu Air Incident:

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau launched a full probe after an Enugu Air Embraer E170 skidded off the runway at Benin Airport. All 68 passengers and crew safely evacuated with no fatalities

The management of Enugu Air has reacted to the Benin Airport incident, describing it as a “runway excursion.”

Recall that an aircraft owned by Enugu Air with Registration Number 5N-ENR crash landed at Benin Airport Thursday afternoon. Apart from the the crew members, 68 passengers were on board the Enugu-Benin-Lagos commercial flight.

Reacting to the incident in a public announcement, the management confirmed the incident, and said all “passengers and crew have safely disembarked and there were no injuries or casualties.

The management said the aircraft has been secured and the relevant aviation authorities have been notified in line with established procedures.

“An assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence is currently underway.

As a result, there may be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules. Passengers affected by any changes will be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.

The safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority. We appreciate your understanding and will continue to provide updates through our official communication channels,” the public announcement partly read.

Keyamo directs Nigeria-Belgium BASA conclusion as Etihad returns to Nigeria

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the immediate conclusion of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Belgium. This is just as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national carrier, Etihad Airways has unveiled

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