How to Export from Nigeria 2026: NEPC Registration, Requirements and Step-by-Step Process

Nigeria’s non-oil export sector is one of the most underutilised economic opportunities available to Nigerian entrepreneurs. Agricultural products (cashews, sesame seeds, cocoa, shea butter, hibiscus/zobo), processed foods, fashion and leather goods, minerals, and artisan products all have established international markets — and Nigerian producers have significant competitive advantages in cost and supply. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is the government agency that licenses, supports, and regulates all non-oil exports from Nigeria.

This guide walks through every step of starting export operations from Nigeria legally in 2026 — from NEPC registration through to getting your first shipment across the border.

Step-by-Step: How to Export from Nigeria 2026

Step 1: Register Your Business with CAC

Before applying for any export licence, your business must be formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). EBC Consults’ February 2026 export guide confirms: “Ensure your company is registered with CAC (Business Name or LLC) and obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN).” CorporateZaddy’s export license guide adds: “You must have a registered company with CAC, and your company must have a clause in its object — for example, ‘export of honey or to engage in export of products’ — before your license can be approved.” This means your CAC Memorandum of Association must specifically mention export as an object of the company.

Step 2: Register with NEPC (Mandatory for All Non-Oil Exporters)

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is the primary regulatory body for non-oil exports. Nigeria Customs Service confirms: “Anyone willing to engage in export business is required to register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).” TrueHost Nigeria’s export guide confirms the NEPC registration process: visit the NEPC e-registration portal at nepc.gov.ng/ereg/exporter, create an account, complete the online application form, upload required documents, and pay the registration fee.

Documents required for NEPC registration:

• Certificate of Incorporation (issued by CAC)
• Certified True Copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Current Certified True Copy of Status Report (Form CAC 1.1)
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Company bank details

ICA Nigeria’s NEPC guide confirms the cost: “If applying yourself, ₦15,000–₦80,000 depending on whether you already have CAC company registration.” Once approved (typically 3–5 days per CorporateZaddy’s timeline), NEPC issues your Exporter Registration Certificate (valid 18 months) and your Exporter’s Identification Number (EIN). All In One Nigeria confirms: “Once registered, you’ll get your Exporter’s Identification Number (EIN) — your ticket to the ports.”

Step 3: Open a Domiciliary Account

All In One Nigeria’s export guide confirms: “Export payments must be made in foreign currency. To comply, you need a domiciliary account in a Nigerian bank, tied to your NEPC number.” Your bank’s domiciliary account (USD, GBP, or EUR) is where international buyers pay you. The NEPC registration number links to this account for export proceeds tracking.

Step 4: Classify Your Product with HS Codes

Every product exported internationally must be classified under a Harmonized System (HS) code — the international standardised classification for traded products. TrueHost’s export guide warns: “Exporters often face delays due to incorrect HS codes.” The HS code determines applicable duties, inspection requirements, and documentation in the destination country. Consult NEPC, Nigeria Customs Service, or a licensed customs broker to confirm the correct HS code for your product before preparing export documentation.

Step 5: Complete the NXP Form (Nigeria Export Proceed Form)

The NXP (Nigeria Export Proceed) Form is mandatory for every formal export transaction. Nigeria Customs Service confirms: “An exporter is required to complete and register Form NXP with an Authorised Dealer (any Commercial or Merchant Bank).” All In One Nigeria adds: “Your bank will help issue the mandatory NXP Form, used to declare exports. Without it, your goods won’t leave the port.” The NXP captures the value of the export transaction and is a prerequisite for accessing the Export Expansion Grant (export incentive). Haul247’s export guide confirms the NXP “indicates the value of goods for export in the currency of transaction” and enables payment processing by the importer.

Step 6: Quality Certification and Pre-Shipment Inspection

NEPC’s own export documentation guide notes: “Quality assurance documents help ensure your exported goods conform to safety measures as stated by international conventions.” Depending on your product category, you may need quality certification from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), or the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) — particularly for agricultural exports which require phytosanitary certificates for most destination markets.

Step 7: Arrange Logistics and Shipping

Exporting from Nigeria uses three main logistics channels: air freight (fast, higher cost — best for high-value, perishable or time-sensitive goods), sea freight (slower, much lower cost per kg — best for large volumes of agricultural and manufactured goods), and road transport to neighbouring ECOWAS countries (fastest for exports to Ghana, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad). Work with a licensed freight forwarder who understands Nigerian Customs clearance procedures at Nigerian ports.

Most Profitable Nigerian Export Products in 2026

📦 How to Export from Nigeria 2026 — Quick Steps

• Step 1: Register business with CAC (include export as company object)
• Step 2: Register with NEPC at nepc.gov.ng/ereg/exporter (₦15k–₦80k fee; 3–5 days approval)
• Step 3: Open a domiciliary account at a Nigerian bank (linked to NEPC number)
• Step 4: Classify product with correct HS code (consult customs broker)
• Step 5: Complete NXP Form at your bank for every export transaction
• Step 6: Obtain quality certificates (SON, NAFDAC, NAQS) as required by your product
• Step 7: Arrange freight forwarder and logistics to destination
• NEPC certificate validity: 18 months — must renew before expiry
• Top exports: Cashews, sesame, hibiscus/zobo, shea butter, cocoa, ginger, fashion goods

Also read: How to Register Your Business with CAC 2026 and How to Open a Dollar Account in Nigeria 2026.