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Create Free AccountNigeria is Africa's largest economy. With a GDP exceeding USD 470 billion and a population of over 230 million people, the country has enormous productive capacity across agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, and creative industries. Yet non-oil exports remain vastly underexploited — and that represents an opportunity for both Nigerian businesses looking to export and international buyers looking to source from Africa's most dynamic market.
This guide walks through the complete export process from Nigeria: registration requirements, documentation, top export products, trade corridors, logistics, payment mechanisms, and the incentive programmes that make Nigerian exports competitive. Whether you are a Nigerian business entering export trade or an international buyer sourcing Nigerian products, this guide covers what you need to know.
Exporting from Nigeria means selling goods produced or processed within Nigeria to buyers in foreign countries, following the regulatory framework set by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Nigeria's export economy has historically been dominated by crude oil, which accounts for over 80 percent of total export revenue. However, the government has been aggressively promoting non-oil exports — agricultural products, solid minerals, manufactured goods, and services — through various incentive programmes and regulatory reforms.
The non-oil export sector has grown significantly in recent years. Key non-oil exports include sesame seeds, cocoa, cashew nuts, shea butter, leather, rubber, cement, and processed food products. Nigeria also has a growing manufacturing sector that produces goods for regional West African markets.
For international B2B buyers, Nigeria represents an emerging sourcing destination with competitive pricing on agricultural commodities, unique products (like hibiscus flower, moringa, and shea butter), and improving trade infrastructure. You can browse Nigerian exporters on Tawaf's supplier directory.
To register as a Nigerian exporter, you must incorporate a company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN), and open a domiciliary (foreign currency) account with a Nigerian bank.
Here is the step-by-step registration process:
Step 1: Company incorporation (CAC) Register your company with the Corporate Affairs Commission. This can be done online through the CAC portal. Processing time: 3-7 business days. Cost: approximately NGN 20,000-50,000 depending on company type.
Step 2: Tax registration (FIRS) Obtain a Tax Identification Number from the Federal Inland Revenue Service. This is required for all business activities including export.
Step 3: NEPC registration Register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. This involves:
Step 4: Bank account Open a domiciliary account (USD, EUR, or GBP) with a licensed Nigerian bank. Export proceeds must be received through this account and repatriated in accordance with CBN guidelines.
Step 5: Product-specific registrations Depending on your export product, additional registrations may be required:
| Product Category | Additional Registration | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural products | Export permit | Federal Ministry of Agriculture |
| Food products | NAFDAC registration | National Agency for Food & Drug Administration |
| Solid minerals | Mining license/export permit | Ministry of Mines and Steel Development |
| Manufactured goods | SON compliance | Standards Organisation of Nigeria |
| Wildlife/forest products | CITES permit | Federal Ministry of Environment |
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Join Tawaf FreeEssential export documents include the Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) form, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate (for agricultural products), NAFDAC certificate (for food/drugs), and the Single Goods Declaration (SGD).
The documentation process in detail:
1. NXP Form (Nigeria Export Proceeds) This is the most important export document. It is processed through your bank and submitted to the CBN. The NXP form captures the details of the export transaction — product, quantity, value, buyer details, and payment terms. Your bank must approve it before you can proceed with export.
2. Commercial invoice Standard trade document showing product description, quantity, unit price, total value, and trade terms (FOB, CIF, etc.).
3. Packing list Detailed list of contents including number of packages, weight, dimensions, and marks.
4. Bill of lading / airway bill Issued by the shipping line or airline. This serves as a receipt for goods and a contract of carriage.
5. Certificate of origin Issued by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) or through the Nigeria Customs automated system.
6. Phytosanitary certificate Required for all agricultural exports. Issued by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) after inspection.
7. Quality certificate For products requiring quality inspection, certificates are issued by SON (Standards Organisation of Nigeria) or approved inspection agents.
8. Single Goods Declaration (SGD) Processed through the Nigeria Customs Service's NICIS II system. This is the electronic customs declaration that replaces the old manual process.
The documentation process has been significantly digitised in recent years, reducing processing times. However, first-time exporters should budget 2-4 weeks for the initial documentation cycle.
Nigeria's top non-oil exports by value are sesame seeds, cocoa beans, cashew nuts, crude rubber, shea butter/nuts, hibiscus flower, leather, ginger, and cement, with agricultural products accounting for over 70 percent of non-oil export revenue.
Detailed breakdown of top export products:
| Product | Annual Export Value (USD) | Main Destinations | Seasonality | Growth Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sesame seeds | 500 million | Japan, Turkey, China, India | Harvest: Oct-Dec | Growing |
| Cocoa beans | 800 million | Netherlands, Germany, Belgium | Harvest: Oct-Mar | Stable |
| Cashew nuts | 350 million | Vietnam, India, Brazil | Harvest: Feb-May | Growing |
| Rubber (natural) | 200 million | China, India, EU | Year-round | Stable |
| Shea butter/nuts | 150 million | EU, US, Japan | Harvest: Apr-Jul | Growing rapidly |
| Hibiscus flower (zobo) | 100 million | Mexico, EU, US | Harvest: Nov-Feb | Growing |
| Leather/hides | 300 million | Italy, China, India | Year-round | Declining |
| Ginger | 80 million | India, EU, US | Harvest: Nov-Jan | Growing |
| Cement | 400 million | West Africa | Year-round | Growing |
| Charcoal/briquettes | 50 million | EU, Middle East | Year-round | Stable |
For international buyers, Nigerian agricultural products offer competitive pricing due to lower labour costs and abundant arable land. Quality has improved significantly as exporters invest in processing, grading, and packaging to meet international standards.
Looking to source products from Nigeria or start your export business? Register on Tawaf for free to connect with verified Nigerian exporters, discover products, and manage your trade pipeline.
Nigeria's primary export corridors are to the EU (cocoa, sesame, shea), Asia (sesame, cashew, rubber), West Africa (cement, manufactured goods), and North America (cocoa, shea butter, hibiscus), with the EU and Asia collectively receiving over 60 percent of non-oil exports.
Understanding trade corridors helps you identify market opportunities:
Nigeria to EU The EU is the largest destination for Nigerian non-oil exports, driven by cocoa, sesame seeds, and shea butter. Nigeria benefits from the EU's Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative and is negotiating an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that would provide duty-free access.
Nigeria to Asia Japan is the largest Asian buyer of Nigerian sesame seeds. India and Vietnam are major buyers of cashew nuts (for processing). China imports Nigerian rubber, sesame, and solid minerals.
Nigeria to West Africa (ECOWAS) The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme allows Nigerian goods to move across the 15-member community with reduced or zero tariffs. Nigeria exports cement, processed foods, plastics, and consumer goods to Ghana, Cameroon, Niger, and other regional markets.
Nigeria to North America The US is a growing market for Nigerian specialty food products — hibiscus flower for the Mexican-American market, shea butter for cosmetics, and cocoa for chocolate manufacturers. Nigeria qualifies for the US's African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), providing duty-free access for over 6,000 product categories.
Nigeria to Middle East Growing trade corridor for sesame seeds, hibiscus, and processed agricultural products. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are key markets. You can discover Nigerian suppliers targeting Middle Eastern markets on Tawaf's marketplace.
Nigerian exports ship primarily through Lagos (Apapa and Tin Can Island ports), with additional ports at Onne (Rivers State), Calabar, and Warri, plus air cargo through Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja.
Logistics infrastructure in Nigeria:
| Port/Airport | Location | Specialisation | Container Capacity | Key Routes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apapa Port | Lagos | General cargo, containers | 1.2 million TEU/year | EU, Asia, Americas |
| Tin Can Island | Lagos | Containers, bulk cargo | 800,000 TEU/year | EU, Asia |
| Onne Port | Rivers State | Oil/gas, bulk minerals | Growing | Asia, EU |
| Lekki Deep Sea Port | Lagos | Modern container terminal | 2.5 million TEU/year (designed) | All destinations |
| Calabar Port | Cross River | Agricultural exports | Limited | EU, Asia |
| MMIA (air cargo) | Lagos | Perishables, high-value | — | All destinations |
Transit times from Lagos:
Logistics challenges:
Working with an experienced freight forwarder is essential for Nigerian exports. The Nigerian Association of Licensed Customs Agents can help you find a reliable clearing agent.
Key export incentives include the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) providing 15-30 percent of export value as grants, the Export Adjustment Scheme Fund, Pioneer Status for export-oriented manufacturers, and the NEXIM Bank's export credit facilities.
Nigerian export incentives in detail:
| Incentive | Benefit | Eligibility | Administering Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export Expansion Grant (EEG) | 15-30% of FOB export value as negotiable promissory notes | All registered non-oil exporters | NEPC |
| Export Development Fund (EDF) | Financial assistance for export promotion activities | NEPC-registered exporters | NEPC |
| Currency retention | 100% retention of export proceeds | All exporters | CBN |
| Pioneer Status | Tax holiday for 3-5 years | Export-oriented manufacturers | NIPC |
| Duty drawback | Refund of import duties on inputs used for exported goods | Manufacturers who export | NCS |
| NEXIM Bank credit | Export financing at concessional rates | Registered exporters | NEXIM Bank |
| Free trade zones | Duty-free imports, tax holidays | Companies in designated FTZs | NEPZA |
The EEG is the most widely used incentive. It effectively provides a grant of 15-30 percent of the FOB value of qualifying exports. This significantly improves the cost competitiveness of Nigerian products in international markets.
However, EEG disbursement has historically been slow, with backlogs of several years. The government has been working to clear these backlogs and streamline the process. As an international buyer, you should be aware that your Nigerian supplier may factor anticipated EEG receipts into their pricing.
Export payments from Nigeria are processed through the banking system under CBN guidelines, with the NXP form tracking all transactions, and proceeds must be repatriated within 90 days for goods and 90 days for services.
Payment mechanisms:
For international buyers paying Nigerian exporters:
CBN regulations:
Currency considerations:
Quality challenges in Nigerian exports include inconsistent grading of agricultural products, aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts and grains, moisture content issues, and packaging that may not meet international standards without specific requirements from the buyer.
Quality management strategies:
Pre-shipment inspection: Hire a third-party inspection company (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek all operate in Nigeria) to inspect goods before shipping.
Aflatoxin testing: For groundnuts, sesame, and grains, aflatoxin contamination is a significant concern, particularly for EU-bound products. Specify maximum aflatoxin levels in your purchase contract and require test certificates from accredited laboratories.
Moisture content: For all agricultural products, specify maximum moisture content. Nigerian products can have higher moisture levels due to climate, which leads to mould growth during transit. Proper drying and storage are essential.
Grading standards: Specify the grading standard you require (e.g., sesame seed purity percentage, cocoa bean count per 100g, cashew nut kernel-out-turn ratio).
Packaging: Specify packaging requirements explicitly. Standard Nigerian packaging may not meet your market's requirements. For food products, insist on food-grade packaging materials and proper labelling.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) sets quality standards for Nigerian products, and compliance with these standards is improving across the export sector.
Browse verified, quality-checked Nigerian exporters on Tawaf's platform to reduce sourcing risk.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Accra, gives Nigeria preferential access to a 1.3 billion-person African market, eliminating tariffs on 90 percent of goods and creating the world's largest free trade area by number of participating countries.
AfCFTA is transformative for Nigerian exports:
For Nigerian manufacturers, AfCFTA opens enormous opportunities — particularly in cement, processed foods, plastics, and consumer goods where Nigeria has a production cost advantage over many African peers.
For international buyers sourcing from Nigeria, AfCFTA means that Nigerian products can be re-exported to other African markets duty-free, making Nigeria a potential manufacturing hub for pan-African distribution.
From company registration to first export, the process typically takes 4-8 weeks. CAC registration takes 1-2 weeks, NEPC registration takes 2-4 weeks, and bank account setup takes 1-2 weeks. Product-specific registrations (NAFDAC, etc.) may take additional time.
There is no government-mandated minimum, but economic viability sets practical minimums. For agricultural commodities, one 20ft container (approximately 18-22 tonnes) is the typical minimum. For manufactured goods, minimums depend on the product and manufacturer.
Yes. Foreign nationals can incorporate companies in Nigeria and engage in export business. However, certain sectors (like small-scale mining) have restrictions on foreign participation. The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) provides guidance on foreign investment regulations.
Non-repatriation within the stipulated 90-day period can result in blacklisting from the export trade, denial of future NXP forms, and potential CBN sanctions. Ensure your payment terms align with the repatriation requirement.
Yes, but with periodic modifications. The EEG programme has been restructured multiple times. As of 2026, the programme remains active with grant rates of 15-30 percent depending on the product category. However, disbursement timelines remain a concern. Verify current EEG terms through NEPC before factoring it into your pricing.
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