Nigeria Export Prohibition List, Procedure and Documentations

The following items are prohibited from Export in Nigeria:

• Raw hides and skin (including Wet Blue and all unfinished leather)
• Wildlife animals classified as endangered species and their products e.g. Crocodile; Elephant, Lizard, Eagle, Monkey, Zebra, Lion etc.
• Timber (rough or sawn)
• Maize
• Scrap Metals
• Artifacts and Antiquities
• Unprocessed rubber latex and rubber lumps
• All goods imported

*Note: The list above is subject to review occasionally by the government.

Following are the basic documentary requirements for an export transaction:

• A duty completed Form NXP (Nigeria Export Proceeds).
• Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) registration certificate
• A proforma invoice
• A sales contract agreement, where applicable
• Relevant certificate of quality as issued by one or more of the government agencies.
• Shipping documents e.g. Airway bill, bill of lading etc.
• Other certificates e.g. Form EUR-1
• Packing List.

To engage in export business in Nigeria, you are required to register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Exporters must complete and register form NXP (Nigeria Export Proceeds) with an authorized dealer (any Commercial or Merchant Bank) of  choice. And also include the following details:

• Name and address of Exporter
• Description of the goods to be exported
• NEPC Number
• Name and Address of buyer (consignee)
• Quantities and their measurements
• Unit cost of goods
• Total cost of goods
• Other charges, if any
• Country of destination
• Mode of transportation
• Quality documents such as phytosanitary certificates, certificate by SON, NAFDAC etc.

The NXP form is completed in six (6) copies for each export transaction. Processing bank retains the first copy and the second copy is meant for Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).  The third, fourth, fifth and sixth copies are forwarded to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Same copy is also forwarded to shipping/transport authority at the terminal.

After shipment of the goods and necessary endorsements by the Nigeria Customs, the copies are promptly dispatched to the CBN, the Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC) and the exporter while a copy shall be retained by the NCS.

Export Proceeds
Proceeds from export are repatriated into an export proceeds domiciliary account. The account is maintained with the processing bank within ninety (90) days of shipment with evidence showing receipt of the proceeds.
And banks are required to certify the receipt of such proceeds to the Central Bank of Nigeria on time.